According to the United Health Foundation, Oklahoma ranks 46th in per capita spending on mental health. For the past five years we have worked with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries to secure grant funding to address mental and physical health. In researching emerging trends, we came across clinical trials that showed positive outcomes using virtual reality in managing isolation, anxiety and depression. Given the needs of our state, we decided to strengthen an existing partnership and implement this new program.

PLS partners with Legend Memory Care to bring health literacy programming to their residents every two weeks. Our shared goal is for residents to move and interact, ultimately decreasing their anxiety and increasing socialization. At each visit, PLS brings Oculus Go devices and tailors the experience to the resident. Some use Wander to visit famous landmarks or their hometown while others get an amusement park thrill on Epic Rollercoaster. The LMC care staff complete a pre-/post-observation survey to measure outcomes.

A pre- and post-observation survey was developed by consulting with the OU Psychology Dept. Months of participant data showed: 75% are less anxious, 92% increased socialization, 100% anticipate or recognize the devices, 100% are willing to share their experiences. Anecdotes from memory care staff included “you can tell she has a great time and it brings her out of her shell” and “Resident was very excited ... [she] could name most of the buildings she saw.” Staff learned residents remembered days of the week when library visits occurred.