Transforming residential aged care through virtual and cinematic technologies and experiences

Virtual, robotic and cinematic technologies and experiences are at the forefront of residential aged care now being delivered and trailed at Cooinda House.

Specialised Aged Care Nursing Director Belinda Sawtell said we were always looking for ways to enhance the care we provide to our residents, whether that be through new technologies or providing unique experiences to support wellness or memory.

“For many of our residents being able to get out and enjoy many of things that they used to do such as going to cinema, beach, travel or a rural setting becomes less possible as they age,” she said.

“At Cooinda House we are exploring ways to help our residents re-experience those familiar settings, memories or life’s experiences through new technologies or fun recreational activities.

“Virtual reality technology has created a wonderful opportunity to bring back familiar experiences which has often been forgotten but is enjoyed by many of our residents.

“Cooinda House’s aged care residents can now swim with dolphins, encounter animals, experience the beach once again, meditate or even ski down a snowy slope.

“There are so many options for residents to experience and explore.”

Residents, supported by recreational and nursing staff have access to VR technology which includes five virtual headsets linked to a control pad that residents can use in the Cooinda House Cinema.

Senior Recreational Officer Tracy Carrol said the VR sessions, which occurred each week, allowed the residents to experience a range of especially themed panoramic videos recorded using a 360-degree camera.

“Our weekly VR sessions have become very popular and is now an integral part of the recreational activities being delivered at Cooinda House,” she said.

“Each week, a group of residents come together to immerse themselves and explore a virtual world with animals, amazing travel locations, water encounters, picturesque outdoor settings or even paragliding.

“Through virtual reality we are bringing fun, engaging and enjoyable experiences back home to our residents which stimulates their memories and social interactions.

“You see how excited our residents get and how they are so eager to share stories of their childhood or lives once they have immersed themselves in virtual reality.

“Some just enjoy a more relaxed environment such as meditation or an early childhood memory like living on a farm.”

As part of the experience, Cooinda House is also using materials that participants can touch to enhance the session unique to each VR experience such as beach sand and shells, or therapy animals.

Tracy said the technology has become an important part of the broader recreational and allied health therapies being used to support our residents stay active.

The introduction of VR technology follows on from the opening of a cinema at the aged care facility last year.

“The cinema provides another familiar experience for residents and families where they can enjoy a private cinematic experience,” Belinda said.

“Our residents are watching their favourite movie or sporting event, or current blockbusters privately away from the common areas.

“Families are having movie days with their loved ones and the ability to arrange family functions where they can be together just like old times.

“This space is creating lasting lifelong memories among our residents and their loved ones.”

In addition, recent improvements to increase muscle memory and enhance the home-like environment include a new 50s diner and juke box.

Later in the year, the residential aged care facility is trialling robotic animal companions to support people with dementia or early onset dementia or other cognitive conditions.

Cooinda House, located at Kippa Ring, is a 60-bed home which provides care for the elderly who require a secure dementia environment and/or specialised residential care for those with an intellectual disability, psychogeriatric, bariatric and/or aged care needs.