Nottingham care home residents can fulfill their wildest bucket list dreams from the comfort of their own living room as part of a new virtual reality initiative.
At the moment 'day trips' will include swimming with whales, a kayaking experience and the chance to visit museums across the world.
But Ceri Robson, who is leading the scheme on behalf of Zero Latency, Nottingham's VR experience based in intu Victoria Centre, says in theory there's no limit to the offerings, including using Google Maps so residents can visit their childhood homes.
The VR account developer said: "We have a menu of things they can do. It's a small menu at the moment but it's being updated this week. As we get more feedback from care homes we can work with them to bring new experiences to residents. In theory the possibilities are endless."
Each session will last between five and ten minutes and residents can be as involved as they want to or are able to be.
"It's all in the headset so they just need to be able to sit in a chair," Ceri said, "But they can also use the controllers as well, for when they are kayaking, for example."
While residents are having their turn, friends and neighbours can watch their experience on a TV, making it more of a social experience.
Ceri said: "It's like a little community session as well. They can interact with other people in the care home and other residence they may not have had the chance to talk to before."
A price list and information pack is still being drawn up by the VR company but it is hoped it will be rolled out across Nottinghamshire care homes before Christmas. Care home managers can book for the experience to come to the residents, where a team member will set up and lead the session.
Zero Latency opened on the first-floor of intu Victoria Centre last summer and has since welcomed 32,000 players through the door. They have recently opened a new bar and hangout, and is home to the world's first free-roaming player v player VR experience.
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