Case Study

Introduction to the trial fund is meeting with representative Shane from NeuronsVR to explain the specialised VR therapy programs for Aged Care residents and those living with Dementia. The aim of the trial is to reduce loneliness and isolation within our residents who would not usually attend social programs organised by the social team therefore resulting in social isolation and loss of their identify and interests..

The library of approved and tailored therapy programs, enable the social team, OT, EN’s, RN’s, Carers and just about anyone to support resident independence, wellbeing, dignity and purpose with personalised choice and enjoyment. Qualified professionals such as Clinical Neuropsychologists, and Gerontologists are part of the content development team to ensure the programs are tailored and safe for those living with Dementia. During this 6-week trial we aimed to focus on Milpara based in Rostrevor and Kapara based in Glenelg with additional visits to Highercombe and Healthia. These residential sites both have Memory Support units with residents living with Dementia. Focusing on both 1:1 based sessions for individualised sessions tailored for their interests as well as immersive group experiences such as armchair travel, animal therapy and special interests.

Over the 6 weeks, we had a focus group of 10 residents at Milpara and 8 residents at Kapara. A total of 52 residents across 4 homes were trailed during this period. A total of 22 ACH group staff members including all members of the residential social team, feedback returned stating it would be an exciting and immersive experience for residents, particularly those socially isolated.

The introduction of virtual reality therapy programs to our social team has proven to be very successful for individuals living with dementia and has proven to be a transformative and innovative approach in enhancing our resident’s quality of life.

During each session a physical observation tool was used developed by NeuronsVR to identify the:

Wellbeing and mood of the resident, if appeared to be relaxed or calm during session as well as if they were showing positive or negative emotions.
Social Activity of the resident, if they were talking, singing, or if they discussed what they were seeing or showing emotion and movement.
Physical Activity, moving hands, pointing, moving head and/or body parts.
Cognitive Activity, if they appeared to be alert and awake and recalling and reminiscing about the past.

Improved Cognitive Function

Studies have shown that virtual reality can help stimulate parts of the brain associated with memory, spatial awareness and problem-solving. By engaging residents in immersive virtual environments, we’ve seen an improvement in their cognitive abilities, including a sharper memory and increased focus after the sessions.

Reduced Agitation Anxiety

Many residents with dementia can experience agitation and anxiety due to their inability to communicate their needs or process their surroundings. The virtual reality therapy programs were observed to provide a distraction from these feelings, allowing residents to engage in calming and familiar environments and appear to be calmer after the session.

Increased Physical Activity

Some of the virtual reality experiences require physical movement. This encourages residents to be more active, helping to maintain their mobility and overall health. Residents were observed to be attempting to touch what they were viewing, pointing, waving and even talking to the animals/individuals they were seeing.

Enhanced Social Interaction

NeuronsVR therapy can also foster social interaction among residents, as they can explore shared virtual environments together. This shared experience often leads to meaningful conversations and connections, promoting a sense of community and belonging. The varied travel sessions let residents in group facilitated sessions and embrace them within armchair travel sessions on a round trip to go to the zoo. Findings after the session found the group to be reminiscing and moving conversations with residents who would usually be more reserved.

Individualised Experiences

At ACH Group, we recognise that each resident is unique, with their own interests and preferences. With the NeuronsVR virtual reality therapy programs, we were able to create individualised experiences tailored to each individual, ensuring that they feel comfortable and engaged in their virtual environment. It allowed the social team to provide different offerings outside of our social calendar and even interact with those residents we observe to be more reserved or isolated. Italian resident Aroldo C. at Milpara who would usually prefer 1:1 company engaged in Armchair travel session to Italy with other residents and even requested the headset almost daily after this experience, telling his family where he had traveled and what he seen, to their disbelief.

The NeuronsVR virtual reality programs have proven to be a game-changer here at Milpara, particularly for those living with Dementia. It’s been great that we were able to offer a unique and immersive experience, additionally to our usual social program that offers art, outings, and sensory play. It’s definitely allowed the social team to plan transport to our residents back to cherished memories and allows us to continue to provide our residents with meaningful engagement. We have also seen residents happily participating with others as a group, who otherwise would have been more reserved. These sessions showed promising results with changes in an emotional connection, engagement, and overall wellbeing for all aged care residents. It’s been an amazing experience with memories and discussions extending after experiences into other sessions too.
I feel that NeuronsVR Therapy is the way of the future and offer an innovative approach to traditional methods. It’s a powerful tool for building interaction and engagement. I have beautifully enjoyed providing this experience to my residents and their loved ones and the sessions have helped to improve memories, and fosters family interactions.

Taylor (Community Connector Lead – Milpara)

Hi Taylor
Thanks so much for the update!
We are definitely seeing a return of dad’s vitality and think the VR sessions must be contributing too! On Saturday he was telling us about what he sees and where
he went during the sessions. Normally he can’t remember what he’s done that day, but he was able to tell us about the different sessions across the week!
Thanks so much for involving him in this experience. I really hope it continues.

Resident Family Member

Oh wow!
That is absolutely fantastic, thank you for sending through the footage. Dad would have loved being underwater - especially if there were fish involved,
he used to have a large fishpond in his back yard that he always sat beside.

Resident Family Member

Thanks so very much for the opportunity for Dad (and I) to experience NeuronsVR therapy.
I personally thought it was amazing, but more importantly, Dad just said to me after you left, that it was excellent, it felt like he was on holidays! It was really
special watching him enjoy it, especially when it triggered some happy memories in Hong Kong. I also loved seeing him interact and ooh and aah at the special images.
I think it is a wonderful opportunity for residents to experience a lot more in their lives, which improves their quality of life. Thanks so much again!

Resident Family Member