The ReSanté-vous research and innovation team tested Lumeen in three care homes Charente and issued a pilot study report. Here are the main findings!

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Who is ReSanté-vous?

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ReSanté-Vous is a social enterprise dedicated to social good that specializes in human-centered, non-pharmacological approaches to gerontology.

On the one hand, their team of rehabilitation and prevention specialists works with care homes, home care agencies, and local governments to promote independence among elderly people. On the other hand, their research team develops social innovation projects aimed at stakeholders in the silver economy. This dual expertise allows them to gain a precise understanding of the realities on the ground and to support the creation of innovative products and services. So we were very curious to learn the results of their pilot study on Lumeen!

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We would like to thank Frédérique Bunlon, Research & Innovation Manager at ReSanté-vous and holder of a Ph.D. in Sports Science (STAPS) specializing in cognitive psychology, who coordinated the report. We would also like to thank Guy Le Charpentier, Associate Director at ReSanté-vous, who oversaw this project, as well as Floriane Peuch and Noélie Guilhot. Both are occupational therapists who work daily in care homes improve the quality of life for elderly people. They managed the use of Lumeen in the three care homes and contributed to the drafting of the report. 

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Details of the experiment

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Objectives of the Pilot Program

First and foremost, the objective of this pilot study was for Floriane Peuch and Noélie Guilhot to test the virtual reality system and havecare homes residents try it out. The goal was to assess the value of using it, identify its strengths, and pinpoint potential areas for improvement. Frédérique Bunlon explains: “Through this experiment, we wanted to observe the effect of Lumeen (...) on residents, as well as the impact of such an activity on therapists’ professional practice, and finally, any observed impacts on the care teams.”

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How the Experiment Was Conducted

Where and when?

43 virtual reality workshops were held over a period of more than 3 months, between October 2020 and January 2021, at 3 care homes :care homes Compaincare homes in St Michel,care homes Charmillescare homes in Roumazières, andcare homes in Aigre.

It is worth noting that these sessions were held—both in standard units and in secure units—in various locations within the facilities, such as the common room, the lounge, and even the hallway. This piqued the curiosity of some residents and staff members, who came to try out the tool for themselves! 

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Who?

The study was conducted with 39 residents. The average age was 87 years. 67% were women and 32% were men. 64% of the participants had cognitive disorders 54% had motor difficulties. Finally, 38% wore glasses. All residents participated in at least one session, and some participated in several.

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Frédérique Bunlon explains: “The residents were selected based on their willingness to try out the tool. We deliberately reached out to a very diverse group—in terms of age, cognitive disorders and motor cognitive disorders, and so on—so as not to limit ourselves to the most able-bodied individuals.”

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How?

To prepare this report, the occupational therapists completed questionnaires during and after each session, which were then sent to researcher F. Bunlon for analysis. 

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The Results of the Experiment

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The Return of Seniors to care homes

The report concludes: “The overall scores are positive; residents generally liked Lumeen.” The results show that 77% of participants accepted and tolerated wearing the headset well, even though the majority had cognitive disorders. Among those who tolerated the headset well:

• 64% of the testers enjoyed the activity, and 33% loved it.
• 84% of testers would like to do it again, and 13% are eager to do it again.
• 62% of test participants say they feel more alert than before the session.
• 47% believe that the workshop helped improve their social relationships.
• 100% say they feel comfortable wearing the headset and think the design is attractive.

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Feedback from the participants 

Feedback from the participants has also been positive. The report mentions a “good atmosphere, a relaxing time with the residents that allows some of them to open up and talk about themselves.” Occupational therapists report that the tool is genuinely useful in calming and supporting elderly people, both with and without cognitive disorders. They also emphasize that they enjoyed facilitating the activity, which has a positive impact on their professional practice. Finally, they note that they found the tool easy to use.

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The views of care homes staff 

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Regarding the benefits of having Lumeen on campus 

The report emphasizes that professionals are “unanimous in their view that the tool is beneficial to residents. The majority of feedback highlights the pleasure residents derive from being able to escape, the connection to their memories, and the ability to use the tool despite age, disability, etc.”

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Regarding the impact residents have experienced since trying Lumeen

This feedback has also been entirely positive: “It’s worth noting here that several professionals have expressed a desire to have the tool available within the facility so that they can offer it to both residents and staff.”

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Regarding the quality of life at work for caregivers

Lumeen was also tested with caregivers. The report explains: “Given the current situation related to COVID-19, we sensed real distress among professionals facing this unprecedented situation.” The researchers therefore decided to offer Lumeen to caregivers. The results were conclusive: “A reduction in muscle tone combined with a relaxed posture was observed in all participants. There were no signs of anxiety. Reactions were unanimously positive. The participants felt relaxed and felt as though they had taken a brief break from the complicated daily routine brought on by the Healthcare situation.”

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Conclusion

We are delighted with the report’s findings: feedback from all testers has been positive! It demonstrates that Lumeen is valuable in care homes, both for elderly people for professionals. It offers a different and innovative approach to working with seniors, even those with cognitive disorders.  

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The benefits for the families of seniors were also highlighted: “Lumeen can be a suitable way to offer an activity that residents and families can enjoy together. Indeed [...] many families feel helpless when faced with a loved one who is nonverbal, apathetic, or has memory problems. These families long to connect with the resident. We believe that holding an ‘Evasion’ session together could be a suitable, shared activity—a moment of enjoyment and relaxation for these individuals.”

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Of course, we also take note of the suggestions for improvement offered in the report, such as the idea of providing exercises to encourage movement duringGetaway. We are continuing our research to offer a solution comprehensive and tailored to the needs of elderly people other individuals with limited mobility.

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We’d like to conclude by extending a big thank you to the entire ReSanté-vous team, to the facilities and their staff who opened their doors to Frédérique, Floriane, and Noélie, as well as to all the testers for their positive feedback. Let’s end with the words of a resident spoken during the pilot program, which really warmed our hearts: “Some people have good ideas—all you have to do is give them compliments!” Thank you !