Recently the SilVR Adventures team had the privilege of watching Jackie from the Australian Red Cross bring the magic of virtual reality (VR) to residents at The Manor OneCare in Kings Meadows, Tasmania. Through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme, Jackie has been using SilVR Adventures’ VR technology to provide immersive experiences that spark joy, stimulate memories, and create meaningful social connections.
This initiative is more than just entertainment—it’s a way to bring new experiences into aged care, combat isolation, and foster engagement. As Ruth, the Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator at The Manor OneCare, describes:
“I think that when people move into aged care, it can sometimes feel like all their new experiences are behind them. So, for them to be able to travel somewhere they haven’t been, to experience something completely new, and to have stories to tell their grandchildren—it’s really special. Seeing the excitement on their faces during a VR experience is just lovely.”
See how the Australian Red Cross has brought the world to OneCare residents through with SilVR
Making an Impact—One Session at a Time
Jackie, who manages the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme at the Australian Red Cross, has seen firsthand how VR transforms the emotional and social well-being of residents:
“After a session, the residents are just full of memories. We sit and talk about where they’ve travelled before, where they’d like to go, and what they experienced during the session. Sometimes they recognize a place and say, ‘Oh, I’ve been there!’”
This ability to reignite past experiences and trigger meaningful conversations has been invaluable. Jackie has seen residents come into a session hesitant but leave lively, smiling, and eager to share their thoughts.
Come along with Jackie from the Australian Red Cross for a VR Session
“I always walk out with the biggest smile, my heart full, and goosebumps, knowing I’ve brought something special into their day. It really makes an impact, and I love being part of that.”
A Standout VR Moment
For Ruth, one of the most memorable moments didn’t even happen in a session.
“At a resident meeting, one of the residents who had experienced VR with Jackie spoke up and said, ‘I just want to say how much I love the lady with the glasses,’ and he couldn’t wait to do it again.”
This was a resident who had travelled extensively in his younger years, yet VR reignited that sense of adventure, proving that the thrill of discovery never fades.
Jackie also shared a heartwarming VR moment from a session featuring wildlife encounters:
The Future of VR in Aged Care
Both Jackie and Ruth believe VR is here to stay, with the potential to revolutionize how aged care residents engage with the world.
“Some people can’t move around much anymore, but with virtual reality, they can go anywhere. Their life doesn’t have to be restricted to a room or a building,” Ruth explains.
She sees huge potential for VR to be used as therapy, helping residents stay engaged, stimulated, and socially connected.
Jackie believes that VR could deepen the relationships between volunteers and residents, making their conversations more engaging and personal.
“I see volunteers engaging with residents by talking about their past, tapping into memories they may have forgotten. But when you introduce VR, it takes that to another level. It allows them to immerse themselves in those memories—places they’ve been, places they always wanted to go.”
The demand for VR sessions is already growing.
“As the sessions continue, you can see more and more interest and enthusiasm. I really believe VR is going to take off in aged care. I love seeing the way residents react—it’s so rewarding.”
Looking Ahead
Through SilVR Adventures and the Australian Red Cross, residents at The Manor OneCare are no longer limited by their surroundings. They are traveling, reminiscing, and connecting—all from the comfort of their care home.
With VR’s ability to spark joy, encourage social interaction, and provide a sense of adventure, the impact is undeniable. And this is just the beginning.
For more information about the Australian Community Visitor Scheme, please visit: www.redcross.org.au/visitor
Want to see what VR can do for your aged care community? Get in touch with SilVR Adventures today.
