Virtual reality cube provides exciting recreation experiences for residents in supportive living
October 19, 2026
Rebecca Ellis was born with a rare degenerative nerve disease and, at 43 years old, is among the younger residents living at St. Therese Villa.
Recreation activities were not of much interest to her until St. Therese Villa, with support from Covenant’s Network of Excellence in Seniors’ Health and Wellness, introduced a virtual reality cube which was purchased with a grant from the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation.
“I get a lot of anxiety and going in there it just gets me away from everything going around,” said Rebecca.
The cube projects immersive scenes on walls and provides a low barrier virtual reality experience. Participants enter the cube rather than put on VR goggles, which can be difficult for older adults.
“I think anybody who has ever used goggles knows that it’s a little disorientating at first,” said Heather LaRocque, activity assistant at Covenant’s St. Therese Villa. “This is especially true for older adults living with vision changes.”
In the virtual reality setup, which is called the Vircube Flexi, participants can play games using wrist and leg sensors, rather than controllers; they can also visit places from around the world.
Every resident engages with the Vircube Flexi in their own unique way. Many enjoy taking virtual trips to places they had previously visited, while others are drawn to Alberta landmarks that remind them of their family, community and meaningful life experiences.
Residents also enjoy music-based activities or interactive games. The ability to tailor the content to individual interests allows each resident to shape their own experiences.
Heather said the benefits also include creating new social networks, as experiences in the cube spark conversations around the villa.