A 10-week trial of virtual reality technology at an Australian aged care centre has shown promising results, with participants reporting feeling calmer, more motivated, and mentally refreshed after sessions.
Overview
South Australian aged care provider Resthaven conducted a 10-week trial of virtual reality (VR) technology at its Marion Community Services centre, in partnership with software provider Add-Life. The trial aimed to incorporate immersive activities into programs for clients with Parkinson's disease and dementia, and to assess VR's support for occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
Key Details
- Participants: 20–25 individuals from existing Parkinson's and Falls and Balance groups.
- Session Duration: 15–20 minutes, one-on-one, alongside regular therapy activities.
- VR Features: Hand-tracking capability for interaction with virtual environments; movement data captured for upper-body mobility reports.
- Activities: Balance, coordination, mobility, and hand-eye coordination exercises, originally developed for stroke rehabilitation and adapted for aged care.
Results Reported
Clients reported feeling calmer, more motivated, and mentally refreshed after sessions. Occupational therapist Sam Hearn stated the technology offered a refreshing change from traditional therapies and increased overall engagement. While some participants initially faced barriers due to technophobia or low digital literacy, many quickly adapted to the new technology.
Future Plans
Resthaven is now developing a structured group program integrating VR, with graded activities adjusted to individual needs. Expansion into individual physiotherapy sessions is under consideration. The organisation is also exploring potential future use in rural and remote settings to enhance access to therapy exercises and assessments.