Recently, the SilVR Adventures team had the pleasure of visiting Cambridge Resthaven in New Zealand to witness first-hand how virtual reality is enriching the lives of older adults through immersive travel, reminiscence, and meaningful engagement. What began as a hopeful experiment has evolved into something powerful — a tool that sparks joy, fosters connection, and brings personal experiences to life, regardless of mobility or memory challenges.
We spoke with four incredible team members — Rachel, Ronel, Tia, and Tracey — all of whom are passionate about delivering holistic, person-centred care. Each one shared moving stories about how virtual reality has opened doors, created emotional moments, and elevated the standard of care at Resthaven.
Rachel Jones, General Manager, reflected on the overall impact:
“It’s a very calming, relaxing environment for the resident — they can just lose themselves in it. It allows them to visit places they’ve always wanted to see but never could.”
Rachel explained that funding for the VR program was secured through The Souter Trust, a local Cambridge-based initiative supporting health and wellbeing in the community. She also highlighted how important it is to shift perceptions around VR technology in aged care:
“People often think VR is just for gaming. But this is different. It nurtures relaxation and gives people — especially those with dementia — peaceful moments, or the chance to revisit memories they thought were lost.”
Ronel, a Therapy Assistant, shared the emotional reactions she’s witnessed during sessions:
“One resident, who was initially unsure, completely lit up. She was smiling, talking, and afterwards said, ‘It’s like being in a dream — it feels so real, you can touch the animals.”
Ronel sees VR as an exciting and essential part of their activity offering — something that residents actively look forward to and ask for. “It opens up the world to them. Some of them queue up, saying, ‘When’s my turn?’”
Tia, also a Therapy Assistant, described the value of VR for connection and storytelling.
“Some residents will suddenly start sharing memories — gardening as kids, or describing their family’s farm. You realise how powerful it is when it helps them connect with who they are and where they’ve been.”
She also noted how technology has helped modernise the approach to aged care in a way residents truly appreciate: “It’s cool to bring something so modern into their world. And when they give it a try, they really enjoy it.”
Tracey Fairhall, Registered Diversional Therapist and Team Lead, underscored how VR enhances her ability to tailor experiences based on individual care plans. “We use VR for one-on-one sessions, even with residents in palliative care or those who can’t leave their bed. It brings joy in a way few other things can.”
Her favourite moment involved a resident who had always wanted to visit New Zealand’s South Island.
“She’d never made it due to illness. But we took her there virtually — Fiordland, Woodlands. She smiled and said, ‘I never got there. Now I’m pleased that I’ve been.’”
A Shared Vision
At Cambridge Resthaven, virtual reality is more than a recreational activity — it’s a bridge to the past, a window to the world, and a new way to deliver dignified, engaging, and person-centred care.
SilVR Adventures is proud to partner with such a forward-thinking and compassionate team. Together, we’re redefining what’s possible in aged care and proving that innovation, when done with empathy, truly changes lives.
