By Samanta Gladkauskaite

Reporter

Port Manor Care Home in Seaford has introduced 360-degree virtual reality headsets as part of its newly opened Memory Lane Community, a specialist dementia care environment.

The technology allows residents to be transported to calming beaches, gardens and other meaningful locations, all from the comfort of the care home.

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Ellie West, deputy general manager at Port Manor Care Home, said: "At Port Manor, we are always looking for new and meaningful ways to enhance the lives of our residents.

"Our virtual reality experiences provide opportunities to revisit cherished memories, spark conversations and bring moments of joy and comfort.

"It has been wonderful to see the positive impact this technology is already having, and we are delighted to offer it as part of the specialist care available within our Memory Lane Community."

Resident Sue was among the first to try the technology, using the headset to immerse herself in familiar surroundings.

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The experience encouraged conversation, reminiscence and meaningful engagement.

Virtual reality is becoming increasingly recognised as a therapeutic tool in dementia care.

By recreating scenes from childhood neighbourhoods or favourite holiday spots, the headsets help residents access long-term memories, often prompting storytelling, emotional connection and social interaction.

The calming environments can also help reduce anxiety and agitation, while stimulating and engaging those with limited mobility.

The technology forms part of Port Manor’s commitment to delivering innovative, person-centred dementia care.

The Memory Lane Community combines a safe, supportive setting with tools and approaches designed to enrich daily life and promote wellbeing.

The virtual reality programme is one of several life enrichment initiatives at Port Manor.

It reflects Barchester Healthcare’s commitment to delivering exceptional dementia care that supports residents’ wellbeing, independence and quality of life.