Sidmouth care home residents 'swam with sharks' - virtually

With the help of the technology, Dennis Friend was able to experience life under the sea from the comfort of his armchair at Vale View Heights.

A team from the Ocean Conservation Trust at Plymouth Aquarium visited the care home on February 21 with VR headsets for 12 residents. They also brought various marine exhibits including dolphin skulls, ribs and dorsal fins, a wolffish skull, shells and a starfish.

The visit was part of the ‘magical moments’ activities programme at Vale View Heights, in which residents are encouraged to tell staff what they’ve always wanted to do or accomplish.

Mr Friend said: “I was asked what I’d most like to do this year and top of the list was to return to Plymouth Aquarium to see the sharks.  I haven’t been there for nearly 30 years. Luckily, Plymouth Aquarium brought the experience to us, and we had a marvellous time with the virtual reality sets, swimming with the fish, sharks and a huge octopus.  It was a wonderful afternoon.”

Another resident, Brian Pankhurst, said: “The visit from the staff at Plymouth Aquarium was first class. The staff were so knowledgeable, and everyone enjoyed the afternoon greatly.  A huge success all round.”

Janet Stanley, activities coordinator at Vale View Heights, said: “It was a real pleasure to be able to provide the residents with such a unique and unusual activity. The afternoon gave them all so much joy and generated a real buzz in the home.  The feedback from residents was overwhelmingly positive.

“We are very grateful to the team at Plymouth Aquarium, who are welcome back at any time.”

Vale View Heights provides residential, nursing and respite care for up to 50 residents, with the aim of encouraging and celebrating their individuality. For more information visit https://valeviewheights.com