The Gift of Adventure: Lenovo Donates Virtual Reality Equipment to Carolina Caring Patients
NEWTON, NC—Just over one year ago, Carolina Caring, the nonprofit serious illness care provider serving Western North Carolina and the Mecklenburg region, announced an exciting investment in virtual reality devices that delivered once-in-a-lifetime VR experiences to hospice and palliative patients.
Today, thanks to the generosity of Lenovo and Carolina Caring Foundation, the organization has more than doubled its capacity to bring this immersive experience to patients across its service area.
In total, Lenovo donated 8 ThinkReality VRX headsets—at a value of $9600—to Carolina Caring Foundation to be distributed for patient use. Whereas the organization had just two devices for all its patients, the donation supplies a couple of headsets for each Carolina Caring hospice house.
In addition, Carolina Caring Foundation generously purchased 4 new tablets and a one-year subscription to Rendever’s award-winning virtual reality software, which is compatible with ThinkReality VRX. The supplies and subscription hold a total value of $14,000.
This investment will be a source of happiness and comfort for the organization’s patients for years to come. Virtual activities have evidence-based benefits for patients and their caregivers, including help with pain management, reduced feelings of isolation or anxiety, and meaningful emotional connection that is significant to Carolina Caring’s model of holistic serious illness care.
“It’s been incredible to witness how virtual reality can gently transform the care journey for our patients, easing anxiety, reducing physical and emotional symptoms, and providing moments of connection and calm when they are needed most,” says Kelly Tate, Vice President, Patient & Caregiver Experience, Carolina Caring. “We are so grateful to Lenovo and the Carolina Caring Foundation for making this experience accessible to more patients across our service region.”
Through VR, patients can revisit cherished landmarks or see the towns and neighborhoods where they grew up. They can feel immersed in peaceful, nature-focused scenery and virtually travel to bucket-list destinations. Sessions are managed by a clinical team member or caregiver. These leaders guide patients through their virtual activity of choice, engaging them in conversation or serving as a listening ear during points of reflection.
Carolina Caring Foundation extends their sincere gratitude to Lenovo and the donors who make these opportunities possible. The Foundation relies on the support of its community to continue investments towards care innovation and granting final wishes for its patients.
To support Carolina Caring Foundation and the organization’s efforts in innovation, please visit carolinacaring.org/our-foundation/.
For more information about Carolina Caring, its services, and its mission to provide compassionate care for patients living with serious illness, please visit the organization’s website, carolinacaring.org or call 828.466.0466.
Pictured: Carolina Caring patients receive one-of-a-kind Virtual Reality experience thanks to the generous donations from Lenovo and Carolina Caring Foundation.
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ABOUT CAROLINA CARING
Founded in 1979, Carolina Caring is an independent, community-based, nonprofit healthcare provider. It specializes in programs that offer relief from chronic conditions, serious illnesses, and the challenges they bring, including palliative medicine and hospice care for all ages, primary care, and grief counseling. Carolina Caring serves 12 counties across western North Carolina and the Charlotte Region. For more information about the organization and its mission, please call (828) 466-0466 or visit www.carolinacaring.org.
ABOUT CAROLINA CARING FOUNDATION
The Carolina Caring Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit which supports Carolina Caring by securing funding, cultivating community partnerships, and connecting donors to the needs of patients and families. We serve individuals who may otherwise go without care through the diligent effort of our philanthropic goals: Grief & Healing, Innovation, Life Enrichment, Cardinal Kids, Charity Care, and Capital Expenses.
