How VR and Sensory Experiences Are Transforming Aging Care

In long-term care homes, hospices, and senior living communities, the goal is always the same: to provide compassionate, person-centered care that meets residents where they are emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Increasingly, Virtual Reality (VR) and immersive sensory environments are becoming powerful tools to support this mission.

Once viewed as futuristic or inaccessible, these technologies are now integrated into everyday programming with remarkable results. For residents with dementia, mobility challenges, or limited opportunities to connect with the outside world, immersive experiences can offer a renewed sense of wonder, engagement, and comfort.

Let’s explore how this technology is shifting the way we think about wellbeing and how it intersects with the principles of Creative Arts Therapy.

What’s Driving the Shift?

The adoption of VR in aging care is on the rise, thanks to improved accessibility, lower equipment costs, and strong outcomes in mood regulation, cognitive stimulation, and pain management. These “cool gadgets” are evidence-backed, adaptable tools with real-world impact.

Care teams are finding that immersive experiences can be both fun and effective. From serene nature walks to virtual museum visits or personalized reminiscence journeys, VR can be tailored to support everything from physical movement to emotional healing.

Families and staff also benefit: witnessing a loved one experience the thrill of an African safari or the calm of a virtual beach can be heartwarming and connective. And for staff, incorporating these experiences into programming increases variety and engagement, which helps reduce burnout and improve retention.

Benefits That Go Beyond the Screen

1. Cognitive Stimulation: VR is proving to be a valuable ally in maintaining cognitive health. Residents can revisit familiar cities, historical landmarks, or even their childhood hometown—all without leaving the safety of their care home. These virtual journeys often lead to storytelling, reflection, and group conversations that reinforce memory and identity.

2. Emotional Wellbeing: For individuals experiencing dementia or palliative care, immersive experiences like calming oceanscapes or animated story journeys have been shown to reduce agitation and anxiety. This is particularly powerful when traditional talk-based interventions aren’t accessible.

3. Physical Engagement: VR can also support light physical activity through gentle movement programs or interactive activities, encouraging mobility, coordination, and fine motor skills in ways that are playful and safe.

Where Creative Arts Therapy Comes In

The intersection between VR and Creative Arts Therapies lies in one key word: personalization.

At MIYA Creative Care, we know that the most impactful programming meets residents at the intersection of identity, culture, and imagination. Much like a music therapist curates a playlist based on someone’s life story, or an art therapist offers materials that honor a resident’s heritage, VR can be adapted to reflect personal histories and preferences.

This personalization enhances engagement, emotional connection, and therapeutic outcomes—making VR not a replacement, but a beautiful complement to the arts-based work already happening in creative care settings.

When paired with therapist-led sessions, immersive tools can enhance the sensory, emotional, and cognitive depth of a session. A virtual visit to a resident’s childhood hometown, followed by a storytelling or music therapy session, creates space for expression, memory recall, and emotional connection.

Spotlight: Rendever’s Impact in Memory Care

Image from Rendever

One of the leaders in this space is Rendever, a VR platform tailored for older adults. Their reminiscence therapy sessions include virtual travel, family slideshow sharing, and even group experiences that promote social connection.

At Central Parke Assisted Living & Memory Care, one resident began attending weekly 45-minute Rendever sessions. Within just three months, staff reported a significant drop in his anxiety levels and reduced use of antipsychotic medications. In fact, they observed up to a 70% reduction in antipsychotic use among participants.

Rendever now supports over 450 care communities across North America and Australia, proof that these tools are effective and scalable.

Key benefits of Rendever’s approach:

• Familiarity & Reminiscence – Residents are transported to familiar, meaningful places.

• Improved Mood – Emotional regulation and joy reduce the need for pharmaceutical interventions.

• Shared Connection – Group experiences boost engagement and community connection.

Learn more at rendever.com

Where MIYA Creative Care Fits In

At MIYA Creative Care, we don’t offer virtual reality, but we do offer something just as immersive: real human connection through creative arts therapies. While VR can simulate meaningful experiences, nothing replaces the power of sitting with a therapist, creating something together, and being truly seen. Our music, art, and movement therapists bring personalized, culturally responsive care directly to your residents with no tech required. If you're looking to deepen engagement, reduce agitation, and bring more joy into your programs, let's connect.