SilVR Adventures recently had the privilege of sitting down with Kerri and Donna, part of the Lifestyle & Events Team at NewDirection Care, a pioneer in creating spaces for the elderly to thrive independently. NewDirection Care is known for its innovative “MICRO TOWN®” model, which provides a nurturing environment that looks and feels just like a typical suburb, complete with amenities like a cinema, grocery store, and café. This unique setup allows residents to make choices and live with agency while still ensuring they receive the care and support they need around the clock.
The inspiration behind this groundbreaking concept came from NewDirection Care’s founder, Natasha Chadwick, who envisioned a place where her mother could live independently and joyfully. Natasha recognized a gap in existing elderly care facilities and dreamt of a space that combined choice, independence, and a vibrant community life – as normal a life as possible®. This vision led to the creation of the MICRO TOWN®, a place where the elderly can experience the freedom of daily life within a supportive environment.
A newly adopted feature of NewDirection Care’s offerings is the integration of SilVR Adventures’ virtual reality experiences. The residents who were involved in the decision to implement VR have come to eagerly anticipate and enjoy these VR sessions, which have become a highlight of their regular activities. Kerri and Donna have worked diligently to understand each residents’ interests and group dynamics, ensuring that the VR experiences are tailored to meet the unique preferences of the participants.
The team at NewDirection Care has found that VR sessions offer significant benefits, particularly for residents who prefer solitude. Virtual travel allows these individuals to explore new worlds while still forging connections with the community through shared experiences. The immersive
nature of VR helps residents escape their direct physical environment and engage in meaningful adventures, stimulating their minds and spirits.
NewDirection Care residents enjoying a range of meaningful VR experiences
To ensure the continued success of these virtual trips, NewDirection Care has begun collecting relevant data to assess the efficacy of the VR sessions. By understanding the needs and desires of their community, they can provide experiences that engage, enliven, and drive conversation. This data-driven approach is particularly beneficial for residents dealing with life or health changes such as dementia and higher emotional needs, offering them a therapeutic outlet that promotes cognitive function and emotional well-being.
Kerri and Donna’s dedication to personalizing the VR sessions has led to remarkable outcomes. Residents who were previously disengaged from community life have shown increased participation and improved mood. The shared experiences foster a sense of community, helping residents to build stronger relationships with each other and with the team.
The partnership between SilVR Adventures and NewDirection Care is a testament to the transformative power of innovative care support solutions. By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of their residents’ needs, NewDirection Care continues to set new standards for elderly care. The integration of VR into their MICRO TOWN® has not only enhanced the quality of life for residents but has also demonstrated the potential for VR to revolutionize the way we approach elderly care.
NewDirection Care team members are embracing the use of SilVR Adventures
SilVR Adventures is proud to partner with NewDirection Care, a groundbreaking provider of support services that celebrates each resident’s life daily. Together, we are creating a future where the elderly can be supported to live independently, joyfully, and connectedly, experiencing the world in ways they never thought possible.
