SRI Management announces communities will be piloting virtual reality.

By way of virtual reality goggles and handheld controllers, potential residents and their families can now take community tours without leaving their homes.

“As the world has changed this past year, our customers’ ways of interacting have also changed,” SRI Management Chief Operations Officer Shelley Kaiser said. “We were looking at how we could take our communities to our customers, and immersive virtual reality fits that need.”

Internal SRI Management focus groups indicate this new way of touring might help those who are interested in senior housing, however, are hesitant to take a step into a community. One 86-year-old test user said she felt comfortable touring virtually and would be more likely to tour in-person.

“I just didn’t know what to expect, but it’s amazing because you really do feel like you’re there,” Maye Walker said. “I didn’t know your communities were this nice! Now I do. So, I would definitely feel more comfortable taking a ‘real’ tour.”

Each community’s Director of Sales will be trained on how to use the system, but VR may spill over into more than just sales. Directors of Activities have shown interest as well.

“Imagine having the chance to tour the Australian Outback or visit Paris,” Kaiser said. “In 2021, our residents can do just that without ever leaving their community.”

The piloting session will last a few weeks to gather real-world feedback.