Care is more than just a service It’s a delicate balance between protection, dignity, and human connection. Partners of VRCARE wrote the real-life scenarios having in mind that education in social and healthcare services must go beyond theory and immerse future professionals in the reality of care. This belief led us to create virtual reality experiences that present real-life dilemmas, giving learners a chance to truly feel the challenges of caregiving. Here is an example from one of VRCARE partners, Centro San Viator.
At Centro San Viator, when designing the scenarios, we based them on real-life situations.
As stories, we present three concrete examples that have served as the foundation for developing some of these scenarios.
For us, it is essential to create and work on projects that truly have an impact and respond to real needs. These real-life cases will later serve as learning tools to help train future professionals.
Here are the three cases:
Blog 1: What if what you love the most could kill you?
Years ago, a resident returned from the hospital after suffering a stroke. The doctor’s orders were clear: puréed food, thickened liquids. There was a high risk of choking and aspiration. We understood it.
But she looked us straight in the eyes and said: “I want a real coffee with milk, and cookies… like always.”
I had been a nurse at the residence for many years. I knew what was behind her request: dignity, pleasure, routine, autonomy. I also understood the team’s fear: a decision like that could end in tragedy.
Where is the line between protecting and respecting? Who decides when the mind no longer shines as before?
This dilemma was one of the first we turned into a virtual reality experience. We wanted those who live it to not only understand it—but to feel it. From within. In ethical flesh.
Blog 2: Restraints, family, and double truths
I remember it perfectly. A resident with Parkinson’s, very active and well-loved. But he kept falling—again and again. The family asked us to use restraints to “avoid a tragedy.” The multidisciplinary team agreed. It seemed like a logical decision.
But privately, he told us: “Please, don’t tie me down.” And when his children visited, he changed his tune. He said he understood that it was for the best.
Did he truly want the restraint—or did he just not want to worry his family?
We found ourselves in an ethical labyrinth where every hallway seemed right… until you took two steps.
This case is also part of our virtual reality project. Because you have to live that contradiction to truly understand the tight knot that forms in your chest when you have to choose between safety, will, and love.
Blog 3: Love in times of decline
Sometimes the dilemma isn’t death—it’s love. Two residents began a relationship at the care home. They took care of each other, looked for each other, smiled at each other. They had mild cognitive impairment but retained legal capacity. Legally sound—yes. But… was it enough?
Some staff murmured. Some families were alarmed: “My mother isn’t in a condition to have a boyfriend.” Others said: “If she’s happy, why not?”
It was up to us to mediate. Carefully. Respectfully. Without playing judge, without ceasing to be caregivers.
Where does freedom begin when judgment starts to fade? Who protects whom?
In our virtual reality experience, we wanted to show this side of care as well. Because love doesn’t disappear with age—or with cognitive decline. It just needs to be seen differently.
