Aged Care Engagement Programs: Why Enthusiasm Isn’t Enough
Recreational therapists are now recognised as allied health professionals in Australia under the Aged Care Rules 2025—but only if they are certified members of the Australian Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA) and hold a Bachelor-level qualification (AQF Level 7 or higher). This update clarifies a key distinction for aged care providers: while lifestyle and diversional therapy roles remain essential, they are not classified as allied health unless they meet ARTA certification standards. Understanding this difference is critical for compliance, staffing, and delivering evidence-based, person-centred care.
VR in aged care: what MACG learned after 1000 hours
MACG introduced SilVR at Parkdale in Dec 2024 to better reach residents who were isolated or less engaged. Led by Beverly, the team has now delivered 1,000+ hours of VR in 12 months, with 70% of participants rating sessions “Very Good” or “Exceptional,” and staff observing more calm, connection and storytelling. SilVR has since expanded across all MACG homes, with the program earning multiple award nominations and early access to the new SilVR Pathways platform.
Introducing SilVR Pathways: Engagement that Scales
Great engagement shouldn’t depend on who’s on shift. SilVR Pathways is a structured engagement platform that turns individual VR sessions into a consistent, measurable, organisation-wide practice — built for teams, not just champions.
SilVR and MACG Win Innovation of the Year: Cognitive Therapy at the Eldercare Awards 2026
SilVR Adventures and MACG have won Innovation of the Year: Cognitive Therapy at the Eldercare Awards 2026 by Ageing Asia in Singapore, recognising best technology innovation that engages, enables rehabilitation and supports happiness for older persons living with dementia.
A New Research Milestone for VR and Ageing in Singapore
We’re proud to have supported a newly published Singapore protocol paper with SUSS and St Luke’s ElderCare, helping advance one of the first structured randomized controlled studies in Singapore exploring immersive VR reminiscence for older adults. Importantly, the study is focused on outcomes that matter, including quality of life, happiness, loneliness, technology acceptance, and safe implementation in real eldercare settings.
Are Recreational Therapists Allied Health Professionals in Australia? (2026 Update)
Recreational therapists are now recognised as allied health professionals in Australia under the Aged Care Rules 2025—but only if they are certified members of the Australian Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA) and hold a Bachelor-level qualification (AQF Level 7 or higher). This update clarifies a key distinction for aged care providers: while lifestyle and diversional therapy roles remain essential, they are not classified as allied health unless they meet ARTA certification standards. Understanding this difference is critical for compliance, staffing, and delivering evidence-based, person-centred care.
How MACG Uses SilVR to Help Residents Reconnect With Community Life
MACG introduced SilVR at Parkdale in Dec 2024 to better reach residents who were isolated or less engaged. Led by Beverly, the team has now delivered 1,000+ hours of VR in 12 months, with 70% of participants rating sessions “Very Good” or “Exceptional,” and staff observing more calm, connection and storytelling. SilVR has since expanded across all MACG homes, with the program earning multiple award nominations and early access to the new SilVR Pathways platform.
How Headway Gippsland Is Using VR to Make Travel Accessible for Participants
At Headway Gippsland, virtual reality is opening up the world for people who may never have the chance to travel. Through simple rituals and shared experiences, VR has become a social, meaningful escape and for some participants, something to truly look forward to.
How Apollo Care Uses SilVR to Bring Clarity, Joy, and Connection to Residents
Apollo Care uses SilVR Adventures to bring joy, clarity and connection to residents, including those living with dementia and vision impairment, through meaningful virtual travel and shared experiences from the comfort of their armchair.
Celebrating National Recognition: Partnerships Lead the Way in VR Innovation for Ageing, Mental Health and Cultural Connection
SilVR Adventures celebrates national recognition with three award-winning VR partnerships transforming aged care, mental health and First Nations storytelling.
