Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT): VR Therapy for Dementia Care | NeuronsVR
Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT): VR therapy across NSW and the ACT
Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) is rolling out NeuronsVR therapy across its homes in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. It sits inside the group’s clinical governance, not just its activity calendar, as a non-pharmacological therapy for people living with dementia.
Engagement is part of care
Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) starts from a simple idea: a full activity calendar doesn’t mean a resident is engaged. Its Model of Care & Engagement and Purposeful Living Framework put ‘The Person and Their Purpose’ at the centre of every decision. Engagement is planned around each person’s life story, culture, preferences and relationships, across seven domains of holistic wellbeing, and delivered by multidisciplinary teams.
NeuronsVR therapy fits that model. VR therapy programs support relaxation, cognitive stimulation, conversation, reminiscence, movement and social interaction, and each is chosen for the person.
Part of clinical governance
At Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), NeuronsVR therapy is built into care planning, with outcomes measured. That turns VR from an activity into a documented, non-pharmacological intervention that clinical and lifestyle teams can plan around and review.
One-to-one, and together
One-to-one NeuronsVR therapy sessions are used for residents who are withdrawn, anxious or fatigued, giving them focused time and a way back into conversation. Group sessions do something different. They build belonging, shared stories and community, and support emotional, intellectual and social wellbeing.
Fun is part of the care plan
Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) treats enjoyment and laughter as real wellbeing outcomes, not extras. A resident joining in, feeling calmer, having a conversation that might not have happened, or sharing a laugh with others: that’s the measure.
Led across the organisation
The rollout is led together by Clinical Governance, Engagement & Purposeful Living, Recreational Therapy Regional Advisors, Lifestyle teams and operational leaders. Ceinwen Lawrence, Chief Clinical Governance Officer; Peter Pargovski, Head of Engagement & Purposeful Living; and Recreational Therapy Regional Advisors Julianne Walker and Barbie Tsakmakis connect the strategy to everyday practice in each home.
What it means for residents
For Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), the goal is living life to the full, including with dementia. NeuronsVR therapy gives every home another non-pharmacological way to get there, one person at a time.