As the world evolves, so too do the ways we seek to enrich lives. In 2021, through Avivo Foundation funding, we embarked on a journey with SilVR Adventures – a company dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of seniors through virtual reality (VR) experiences.
Now, as we conclude our program, we reflect on the impact it has had on our community.
Unique opportunity
SilVR Adventures offered a wonderfully unique opportunity for our customers to explore new places and experiences without leaving their homes. Since 2021, we’ve witnessed a significant uptake of customers and teams participating in SilVR Adventures.
This year alone, we’ve already facilitated around 40 visits and have around 10 customers who have ongoing VR adventures.
Our participants represented a diverse range of individuals, including those with dementia, cognitive decline, psychosocial disabilities, as well those living with a disability ,their families and support workers.
Testimonials from our participants highlight the profound benefits of the SilVR Adventures.
- Enhanced alertness and engagement: Many reported feeling more alive and engaged during and after their VR experiences. Caregivers noticed increased alertness and expressive behaviour in their loved ones.
- Facilitating positive social interaction: VR journeys sparked lively conversations among participants, fostering connections and shared experiences. It enabled individuals to reminisce about their past and share stories with newfound friends.
- Positively influenced dynamics of relationships: VR experiences provided moments of respite and reconnection for caregivers and care recipients. Participants observed changes in their loved ones’ demeanour and rediscovered aspects of their relationship outside the realm of caregiving.
Stories from SilVR Adventures
Dennis and Marjorie, both in their 80s, embarked on a journey to ‘Incredible India’ through SilVR Adventures. Dennis, who had suffered a stroke, and Marjorie, his caregiver, found themselves transported back to their homeland. As they explored familiar sights and reminisced about their past, they rediscovered the joy of shared experiences.
Their son-in-law, witnessing their journey, remarked on the transformation he witnessed in Dennis and Marjorie. For a moment, they were not just caregiver and care recipient, but spouses sharing memories and dreams once again.
“Jessica* is 70 and lives with Cerebral Palsy,” said Laura Coleman, Practice Advisor, Aged Care and Dementia at Avivo.
“When you meet her, you can see that she appears to have very little control of her body movement and continually shakes. After the first session, it was amazing to watch her reactions.
“Through the adventure, she didn’t move at all. I asked her why this was. She said it was because she was relaxed. It was astounding to watch. Jessica has had fortnightly visits, which have been a pure joy for her and me.”
*Customer names have been changed.
Thank you
As we conclude our pilot program, we are grateful for the profound impact SilVR Adventures has had on our community.
We’d like to thank Laura Coleman along with Support Workers Tracey MacCulloch and Nicky Spence who have been hands-on throughout the whole program and have helped put smiles one many faces throughout the customer journeys.
The experiences shared and connections made will remain invaluable to customers and their families.