The SilVR Impact Excellence Award was introduced to recognize outstanding aged care providers across Australia and New Zealand who have harnessed virtual reality (VR) to enhance the lives of their residents. The response from care teams was nothing short of inspiring, with heartwarming stories that showcased the profound impact VR technology can have in aged care settings. After careful consideration by our esteemed panel of judges, the inaugural award has been bestowed upon Signature Care Langwarrin for their remarkable submission, which truly exemplifies the power of VR to transform aged care.
The Journey to Winning: Signature Care Langwarrin’s Inspiring Submission
Signature Care Langwarrin’s story is one of innovation, compassion, and a commitment to improving the quality of life for their residents. Introducing SilVR Adventures VR headsets into their facility has been a game-changer, bringing joy, comfort, and a sense of adventure to their community. The feedback from residents, families, and care team has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting how these immersive experiences have opened new doors for those in aged care.
In their submission, Signature Care Langwarrin shared several poignant stories that captured the magic of these virtual journeys. Lee, a resident in the Banksia Memory Support Wing, finds solace and joy in watching videos of England.
With tears of happiness, he often exclaims, “It’s like going home. I love seeing all the places I visited as a child. It’s magical.”
This virtual reconnection with his past has allowed Lee to relive cherished memories and feel closer to his roots, bringing a profound sense of comfort.
For Eva, a resident in the Acacia Wing, VR has made a lifelong dream come true. Always wanting to travel to Paris, she was thrilled to virtually visit the Eiffel Tower, frequently asking the Wellbeing staff, “Where can we travel next?” This sense of anticipation and excitement keeps her spirits high, giving her a renewed sense of purpose and adventure.
Then there’s Bill, another resident from the Acacia Wing, whose zest for life was reignited by the VR experience. After enjoying a thrilling virtual skydiving session, he exclaimed, “That was bloody brilliant!” His newfound enthusiasm led him to eagerly ask if there were any rollercoaster experiences available (there are!). Moments like these, filled with laughter and joy, have created lasting memories not just for the residents, but also for the care team who have the privilege of witnessing these reactions first-hand.
A Touch of Cultural Immersion: Celebrating NAIDOC Week
One of the standout experiences at Signature Care Langwarrin was a special VR session celebrating NAIDOC Week. The Wellbeing team went above and beyond to create an immersive cultural experience that resonated deeply with the residents. The room was transformed with sensory items such as eucalyptus branches, boomerangs, and traditional Australian artifacts, all accompanied by the subtle scent of eucalyptus. The big screen TV displayed the breathtaking Australian outback, setting the scene for a VR musical journey through the heart of the country.
This thoughtful setup allowed residents to connect with Australia’s rich cultural heritage in a deeply personal way. The session was not just a visual journey but a multisensory experience that evoked relaxation, reflection, and a sense of national pride. The residents were visibly moved, sharing their appreciation and reflections on this unique virtual travel experience. It was moments like these that showcased the true potential of VR to create meaningful, life-enriching experiences.
The Care Team’s Joy and Pride: A Testimony to Dedication
The impact of SilVR Adventures’ VR technology has been felt not just by the residents but by the dedicated care team members as well. Roxanne Bronsema, a member of the Wellbeing team, expressed her pride in winning the award, saying;
Signature Care Langwarrin Wellbeing Team
“It was an absolute honour to win this prize, and thank you very much. Our team was so excited the day we found out we’d won, and I could not stop talking about it to all my residents in memory support. I’m incredibly proud of our achievements using the virtual reality headsets with our residents. There has been so much excitement, emotion, and sheer joy, which warms our hearts to watch.”
Roxanne’s words reflect the collective spirit of the team at Signature Care Langwarrin—an unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of their residents through creativity, empathy, and innovation. Their passion for their work and the genuine connections they foster with their residents are what set them apart.
A Well-Deserved Reward: Real-Life Adventures Await
As the winners of the 2024 SilVR Impact Excellence Award, the Wellbeing team at Signature Care Langwarrin will receive $2,000 in Flight Centre gift vouchers. These vouchers will be distributed among the care team members involved in VR, offering them the opportunity to embark on their own real-life adventures.
Just as they have created magical experiences for their residents, this prize is a small gesture of gratitude, allowing these incredible caregivers to explore the world beyond their facility.
Signature Care Langwarrin’s story is a shining example of how VR technology can transcend the limitations of aged care, providing residents with joy, connection, and a renewed sense of wonder.
As we celebrate their achievement, we are reminded of the power of innovation and the extraordinary impact that compassionate care can have on the lives of those we serve.
Congratulations to Signature Care Langwarrin—the true embodiment of SilVR Impact Excellence.
Signature Care Langwarrin resident enjoying a VR experience
