Virtual Reality, Real Grief

Shortly after the Covid-19 outbreak, our facility was locked down to the public. During this time one of our younger residents had passed away. I had spoken to her mother the week prior to her death. She was excited about the opportunity to visit her daughter, as there were talks about reopening the facility. She visited her daughter several times every week. She never got that opportunity.

I saw this story shortly thereafter, and it got me thinking not so much about visiting with those who had passed (although this thought has been on my mind for a very long time), but being able to create an as-immersive-as-possible solution to those who can not visit with their loved ones directly. VR is a start, but things like haptic feedback or the direct connection/communication between minds could maybe one day provide an experience that is close to the perception and emotions of a real life interaction. Thus avoiding terrible situations like the one I disclosed above.