Aged Care Deloraine launches VR experience for residents

Aged Care Deloraine‘s Grenoch facility was abuzz with excitement as it hosted a launch event for its new virtual reality (VR) equipment, funded by a $15,000 grant from the Bendigo Community Fund. The event, held with the support of stakeholders including Bendigo representatives, SilVR (the maker of the technology) staff and Aged Care Deloraine staff, residents and family.

Acting CEO Matt Flakemore highlighted the impact of the VR technology, which includes four headsets and a wide array of software offering immersive experiences. “There’s a whole heap of software for different virtual tours. You can go and see the Eiffel Tower, get a virtual tour around there, go to see the Colosseum. You can go and visit your childhood home through Google Maps,” Flakemore explained.

The VR equipment offers residents hundreds of videos and guided tours, allowing them to virtually explore farms, landmarks, and much more. One of the standout features is the mobility of the technology, which can be brought directly into residents’ rooms. “For people that can’t necessarily come out, take it straight to their bed. Put something on that they want and they can experience it the same as everyone else. Yeah, it’s fantastic,” said Flakemore.

The VR project was made possible by the Bendigo Community Fund grant, which covered the entire cost of the equipment and software. “We put an application in for $15,000 to fund the project. Four headsets plus the software. And we were lucky enough to be successful with that grant. And pay for that 100 percent through the Bendigo Community Fund. We’re very appreciative of that. And it’s a fantastic result. It’s not something we necessarily could afford out of our own funds,” Flakemore noted.

The event underscored the organisation’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents by providing innovative and engaging experiences. With the new VR technology, Aged Care Deloraine aims to offer both adventure and comfort to its residents, regardless of their mobility limitations.