—— Clinical Research
NeuronsVR Trial Virtual Reality Dementia Specific
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.
Trial Period: 07/05/2024 – 14/06/2024
The introduction of NeuronsVR therapy proved highly successful for residents living with dementia, offering an innovative and transformative way to enhance quality of life.
During each session, the team used a NeuronsVR-developed observation tool to assess:
- Wellbeing & Mood: relaxation, calmness, and positive or negative emotions
- Social Activity: talking, singing, commenting on what they saw, emotional expression
- Physical Activity: hand movement, pointing, head or body movement
- Cognitive Activity: alertness, engagement, memory recall, and reminiscing
Feedback From Social Team Members
NeuronsVR has become a true game-changer at Milpara, especially for residents with dementia. It adds a unique, immersive layer to the existing social program, helping transport residents back to cherished memories and creating meaningful engagement. The team observed increased group participation -even from typically reserved residents- as well as noticeable improvements in emotional connection, interaction, and overall wellbeing. These positive effects often continued after the sessions, sparking conversations and memories. Staff believe NeuronsVR is the future of dementia care, offering a powerful, innovative way to build engagement and support family connections.
Notable Benefits of Incorporating NeuronsVR therapy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 travelled and what he seen, to their disbelief.
— Ready When You Are
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