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Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and the Netherlands in 25 categories.
Virtual reality design Speaking of innovative technology, I was recently amazed to see what someone living with dementia actually sees compared to someone without by using a new virtual reality called VR-EP (Virtual Reality - Empathy Platform). VR-EP comprises a laptop with high
performance graphic and memory capability, Virtual Reality goggles, a games controller, camera and bespoke software programming. Dementia-friendly design can significantly improve the quality of life for people living with the condition. There are currently more than 800,000 people in the UK living with dementia, a figure that is expected to rise to 1.7m by 2051. Dementia costs the UK economy £26.3 billion per year – more than cancer and heart disease combined. People living with dementia can see
things very differently, with objects often appearing dimmer and less colourful than they really are, which can be frightening and confusing. By using the VR-EP device to see things
through the eyes of a fictional person living with dementia, building or interior designers will be able to create homely and familiar environments that could reduce accidents, lessen anxiety and help those living with dementia live more independent lives. The device can help architects and designers create dementia-friendly buildings and spaces by understanding how dementia can affect a person’s vision. It can be used in the design of new buildings such as care homes, hospitals or sheltered housing, and also has the potential to assess existing buildings and environments. This application can help healthcare
providers save expensive adaptive costs by designing buildings and spaces with the person living with dementia in mind. The idea is the brainchild of David
Burgher, director at Scottish Borders- based Aitken Turnbull Architects, who has developed the product in association with Glasgow CGI firm Wireframe Immersive in association with Dementia Centre, HammondCare. The Dementia Centre is recognised as a world leader in dementia support, care
and design, and provided the evidence- based research and academic rigour to this product. David has developed a vast knowledge
within the private care sector, including residential care, nursing, dementia and specialist care fields throughout the United Kingdom and Channel Islands. “At Aitken Turnbull, we have many years
of experience in designing buildings for the elderly and for people living with dementia and have gained valuable insight into the condition, allowing us to empathise with those who live with it,” he says. The introduction of this unique VR-
EP technology takes this insight to the another level - giving building designers first-hand experience of how dementia affects vision so that we can design spaces that are far better suited to people living with the condition. David adds: “As well as reducing anxiety,
the improved design offers a better, safer and more independent quality of life. Dementia-friendly design doesn’t have to cost more. In fact, by using VR-EP, designers will get it right first time and therefore reduce costs.”
An eye on the future I have met David and fellow VR-EP director Kevin Gordon. David and Kevin are both very passionate about care and technology and immersed me in an environment, which up until then I thought I was familiar with. While taking a virtual tour of a care facility, I was staggered when the filters were altered to show me how it would look to someone living with dementia. After years of talking to people about
30 points of colour difference and light reflectance value, I thought I had a pretty good idea. Not so! Using the VR-EP platform has transformed my thinking and makes me more determined to get more people to understand what it is potentially like living with dementia. We will be looking to use virtual reality in the future.
November 2021 •
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com Rob Marsden
Rob Marsden is national sales manager for care home bed supplier wissner-bosserhoff. Rob has been working within the health & social care sector for 16 years. Apart from the usual frustrations that everyone has with the care sector, usually around funding, he has a passion for the industry and providing the best solutions possible to achieve the most positive outcomes. Developing people is also another passion of Rob’s, both professionally and personally. His biggest challenge currently is coaching his son’s under-9 football team. Rob has loved football since he can remember and started visiting Elland Road to support his beloved Leeds United in 1976.
Contact details
wissner-bosserhoff Rob Marsden, national sales manager Tel: 0800 0353 345 Email:
robert.marsden@
linet.uk.com
www.wi-bo.com/en-WI/
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