NBN News Features ELOURA – as VIRTUAL REALITY brings joy and health benefits for residents
If you missed the segment on NBN News, watch the replay here; https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2023/11/16/virtual-reality-unlocking-memories-for-quirindi-aged-care-residents/
Older Australians may not be the first demographic one thinks of when talking about Virtual Reality, however, Eloura Aged Care Facility in Quirindi, NSW has introduced Virtual Reality headsets into their Lifestyle and Wellbeing Program with surprising and heartwarming results.
Virtual Reality has wowed residents with interactive and personalised technology that allows residents to get up-close-and-personal with unique locations, animals and scenery. Those participating have found the technology exciting and engaging and wonderful conversation flows afterward where participants compare their experiences.
“One of the most awe-inspiring experiences for a resident was seeing an elephant walking straight up to him, while other residents have absolutely loved experiencing virtual travel,” Fleur Hamilton, Lifestyle Officer at Eloura Aged Care Facility said.
“Many of these experiences are just not possible in-person anymore, or a resident may want to visit a place that ignites memories of when they were younger,” Ms Hamilton said.
Virtual Reality allows Eloura residents to experience overseas travel, swimming with dolphins, a trip in a hot air balloon and many other once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are available now with this technology.
This technology venture was integrated and rolled out seamlessly by the lifestyle team at Eloura Aged Care Facility after being approved by the Quirindi Care Services board as part of the ongoing expansion of the program to create a more engaging, stimulating and enjoyable experience for residents.
Colin Pudsey, founder of SilVR Adventures said Virtual Reality works best with older people when it provides a meaningful experience, “For some that might be traveling to a country of birth, religious or cultural sites, interacting with animals, ticking off a bucket list experience such as skydiving or even revisiting a special place like a childhood home or a church they were married in,” he said.
“We are delighted to be working with Quirindi Care Services, and it has been a pleasure to engage with a team committed to contributing to the overall care and wellbeing of residents by establishing a home environment where people feel at home, safe and valued.
“QCS has been operating for over 40 years and we’re thrilled to bring virtual reality in as part of their story and embrace the community spirit on which it was founded,” Mr Pudsey said.
“We are truly thrilled to have come across this program. Providing our residents with rich and fulfilling experiences such as this contributes to their overall wellbeing and has brought them so much joy, sparking conversation and reigniting memories and passions long forgotten,” Kim Riley, General Manager of Quirindi Care Services said.
The new Virtual Reality program at Eloura Aged Care Facility is a part of the Lifestyle and Wellbeing Team’s initiative to help maintain their elderly residents’ physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing.
