A care home in Sidmouth is trailling new virtual reality headsets to help improve mood and reduce anxiety in their residents.

Hartford Care, which runs Malden House in Sidmouth, has partnered with US-based technology company MyndVR, which uses VR-headsets to deliver therapy in its care homes.

Studies have shown that VR-Based Digital Therapeutics technology provides a broad range of benefits, from improving mood and engagement to reducing anxiety and pain, and providing better rehabilitative care by improving physical and occupational therapy outcomes.

Kevin Shaw, Chief Executive at Hartford Care said: “We want to be at the forefront of innovation in our industry and the use of virtual reality headsets in our homes is another ground-breaking initiative we’re extremely proud to establish.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits this technology has for the residents in our homes, especially those living with dementia whereby research shows it can fight loneliness and alleviate anxiety.”

Chris Brickler, CEO at MyndVR, said: “Partnering with Hartford Care is an exciting step as we continue to spread the benefits of MyndVR to our aging population around the globe. By 2030, 1 in 6 – or 1.4 billion – people in the world will be aged 60 years or over.

“The value and impact of virtual reality for the aging mind cannot be overstated. We look forward to continuing to deliver meaningful experiences to our aging population.”

Hartford Care will launch the headsets across ten of its care homes across the UK, Malden House in Sidmouth, as well as in Berkshire, Southampton, two in the Isle of Wight, Winchester, Bristol and Portsmouth.