A recent study titled “Introducing virtual reality to older adults: A qualitative analysis of a co-design innovation with care staff”, led by Professor Raelene Wilding from La Trobe University, and working with a team including A/Prof Jenny Waycott from the School of Computing and Information Systems, at The University of Melbourne (and SilVR Adventures Board Advisor) explored the potential of VR in aged care, identifying numerous benefits such as increased social engagement, reminiscence therapy, and enhanced well-being. Yet, challenges remain, including the complexity of the technology, the time required for implementation, and the difficulty technophobic staff may experience.
At SilVR Adventures, we are proud to align with the positive aspects of the research while addressing these hurdles head-on. Our solution is specifically designed for older adults, offering a turnkey system that is easy to use, set up, and maintain by care providers. It’s been shown to reduce isolation, increase social interaction, and bring joy to residents across multiple care facilities.
Addressing Technological Barriers
One common concern highlighted in the research is the “time-greedy” nature of introducing new technologies. SilVR Adventures simplifies this with user-friendly VR headsets that come pre-configured with easy access to one of the largest VR libraries available specifically for older adults, in addition to our exclusive Cognitive VR content, including experiences designed for reminiscence therapy, dementia care, and more. Our training resources and continuous support ensure that even technophobes can confidently operate the system, and our robust setup minimizes the need for ongoing troubleshooting or maintenance.
Why SilVR is Trusted and Proven
SilVR Adventures isn’t just an emerging player in aged care VR—we’re trusted and proven at scale. Our technology is being used across multiple countries, backed by research and evidence of its effectiveness in improving quality of life for aged care residents. Whether it’s our award-winning partnership with Signature Care or our large-scale rollout in Singapore, the results speak for themselves: our solution drives engagement, enhances team morale, and delivers meaningful, therapeutic experiences.
Residents at Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT’s St Martha’s Residential Care recently used the power of SilVR Adventures’ Virtual Reality technology to visit different destinations around the globe and shared their positive feedback, from a resident with vision challenges;
SCC Living resident enjoying a VR experience
“The experience proved extra special for one resident who has vision challenges. Using the power of the VR Headset she was able to see and experience New Zealand where she grew up. Her delight at exploring her home country brought a tear to the team’s eyes.”
This feedback is something we’ve received on multiple occasions, and aligns with similar stories from another valued partner of SilVR Adventures, BaptistCare. Bobby and Loris are two residents in particular that have participated in VR sessions, triggering stories and memories, and bringing a sense of awe and wonder. These were incredibly significant as both suffer from macular degeneration or legal blindness; their experiences were transformational, with both able to ‘see’ again and experience the VR content despite their disability. Watch their stories below (15,000+ people have so far 🤯).
Furthermore, SilVR Adventures is proud to offer multiple language support, ensuring a personalised experience for diverse care environments. We also provide comprehensive training and resources, from tutorials to continuous live support, making it effortless for teams to integrate VR into their daily activities.
Supporting the Future of Care
In the study, care staff reported that ongoing support was essential for the successful integration of VR. That’s why we offer resources and tools to keep the experience seamless.
Additionally, SilVR Adventures helps manage concerns such as device maintenance and battery life, enabling smooth operation without burdening staff with extra tasks.
Our ongoing collaborations with research bodies such as Deakin University further ensure that our VR technology remains at the cutting edge of therapeutic and cognitive solutions for aged care, solidifying SilVR Adventures as a long-term partner for care providers.
Conclusion
With its proven track record, ease of use, and comprehensive support, SilVR Adventures is the turnkey solution to the challenges of integrating VR into aged care.
Not only does our system provide significant benefits for residents, but it also addresses the critical concerns outlined in the latest research, positioning SilVR as a trusted partner in the future of aged care.
SCC Living resident revisits New Zealand in a truly meaningful experience
For more insights from Professor Raelene Wilding and A/Prof Jenny Waycott, we recommend checking out their respective conversations on our Aged Care Enrichment Podcast.
