Barunga Village, a community-owned, not-for-profit aged care provider, has revolutionised the daily lives of its consumers and staff through the introduction of Virtual Reality (VR) technology with SilVR Adventures. This innovative approach, currently focused on the residential service area, is set to expand across all services, including retirement and community care.
The integration of VR at Barunga Village has provided consumers with the unique opportunity to travel and explore new places without leaving the comfort of their home. These immersive experiences allow consumers to revisit cherished memories or create new ones, significantly enhancing their quality of life. Staff have witnessed the joy and excitement on consumers’ faces as they embark on virtual journeys, making the experience equally rewarding for them.
Barunga Village’s decision to incorporate VR into its programs was driven by a desire to combat isolation and loneliness among people living at Barunga Homes, its residential aged care home. By facilitating group activities and encouraging social interaction, VR helps create lasting memories and supports cognitive stimulation, particularly for people living with dementia. This initiative aligns perfectly with Barunga Village’s mission to provide high-quality, individualised care that enhances the well-being of its House Members at Barunga Homes.
“Our mission has always been to improve the quality of life for our House Members through innovative and compassionate care,”
said Elizabeth Carroll, Chief Executive Officer.
“The introduction of VR has been a game-changer, allowing us to offer unique experiences that bring joy and stimulate memories, especially for those living with dementia.”
One particularly impactful moment involved a House Member with significant sensory impairments. During a personalised VR session, he was able to virtually explore England and Italy, experiences he found profoundly moving. His enthusiastic feedback highlighted the transformative power of VR, as he expressed immense gratitude and eagerness for future sessions. Overall, House Members have responded positively to their VR experiences, with many expressing delight at revisiting familiar places and discovering new ones.
The use of VR has enhanced the staff team’s ability to engage with House Members, especially those with dementia or complex care needs. It has also facilitated connections between House Members and their families, providing a shared experience that can be enjoyed even when in-person interactions are limited.
Explore SilVR’s exclusive wildlife VR content
Barunga Village is renowned for its leadership in individualised care. VR complements this innovative approach by offering personalised experiences that resonate with House Member’s background and interests.
For example, the ‘farm life’ session has sparked meaningful conversations among House Members with farming backgrounds, reflecting the local Port Broughton community.
Implementing VR has underscored the importance of social interaction and the potential for VR to create meaningful connections.
Barunga Village plans to continue expanding its VR offerings, creating more personalised experiences as staff gain expertise in this technology.
The organisation encourages other regional providers to consider incorporating VR into their care services, highlighting its benefits in fostering social interaction, overcoming fears, and enhancing consumer’s overall well-being.
“VR has opened up a world of possibilities for our consumers,” added Elizbeth. “It is incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact it has on their lives, and we are excited to continue exploring new ways to integrate this technology into our broader care programs and services.”
SilVR Adventures is proud to partner with Barunga Village, a leader in innovative aged care. Together, we are enhancing the lives of older adults through immersive VR experiences that foster connection, engagement, and joy. Our collaboration empowers residents to relive cherished memories, explore new places, and create meaningful moments every day.
