Mrs Brenda Brown’s fear of heights had always stopped her from pursuing her dream of climbing the Eiffel Tower. However, she finally did — virtually at least — and it’s all thanks to the virtual reality (VR) experience held at Resthaven Newland House respite cottage in Victor Harbor.
Resthaven was established in 1935 to provide support and services to older people. They deliver high quality residential and community aged care services throughout metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia. A not-for-profit aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church in Australia, Resthaven is a separately incorporated, financially independent and charitable Public Benevolent Institution.
Wattle Avenue, Brighton. Opened by Lady Kidman on 11 May 1935.
Brenda says, ‘I’m scared of heights, so I never actually got to the top of the Eiffel Tower when I travelled to Paris. With VR, I had a second chance —and I wasn’t scared! It was a great experience.’
Brenda was just one of several clients participating in the ‘Staying at Home in Regional South Australia’ dementia care day retreat, overseen by Resthaven Project Officer, and Dementia Education Specialist, Gillian Schulze.
Gillian says, “This type of technology improves the lives of older people by introducing them to meaningful and shared experiences in virtual reality — stimulating memories, driving social engagement and bringing joy.”
‘The VR kit was supplied by SilVR Adventures, an Australian technology company that creates virtual reality devices specifically for older people.’
‘After putting on our headsets, we “travelled” to South-East Asia, France, India and the Balkans!’
‘It was wonderful for clients to not only re-visit places that they had been to before in real life, but also to travel to new locations.’
Mrs Evelyn Smart says, “The detail is incredible! It’s the best of both worlds to take a look around these amazing places, from the comfort of an armchair.”
Gillian adds, ‘This VR experience is particularly beneficial for people living with dementia, as it is a highly effective way of delivering immersive, enjoyable and comfortable reminiscence therapy.’
‘People are engaged in a way that feels more vibrant and real, allowing them to be part of the moment, rather than an observer.’
‘The virtual reality sessions have been a popular activity at all of Resthaven’s community respite cottages recently.’
The Staying at Home in Regional South Australia program focuses on enabling people living with dementia to remain living at home for as long as possible, allowing them and their carer to experience quality respite care, wellbeing and engagement opportunities with targeted support.
For more information and eligibility criteria, head to: https://www.resthaven.asn.au/staying-at-home-program/
SilVR Adventures is proud to partner with Resthaven, one of South Australia’s leading and most established providers of aged, retirement, and community care. Together, we are shaping a future where older adults are empowered to live independently, joyfully, and connected to the world around them, experiencing life in ways they never imagined possible. Our collaboration celebrates each resident’s unique journey, bringing meaningful experiences through innovative virtual reality solutions.
Article originally published on Resthaven website: https://www.resthaven.asn.au/virtual-reality-people-living-with-dementia/
