Technology touches all our lives. At Opal, we are continuously looking at ways that technology in aged care can enhance the lives of our residents by providing opportunities for engaging entertainment and maintaining important family and community connections.
Video Conferencing
During the recent restricted access we accelerated our technology program and are successfully using a variety of different applications for telehealth consultations with doctors, and for virtual visits between residents and their families. We have rolled out FaceTime across our Care Communities, undertaken hours of video conferencing training with our team and are truly evolving the nature of our social connections.
Augmented Reality
We began trialing ROMPA® interactive projectors in a number of our Care Communities in 2019 and it was such a success that this Augmented Reality device is now being rolled out across all our care communities during 2020. These immersive sensory devices enable a whole world of opportunities for people to interact alone or in a group environment. The dynamic displays are controlled using gestures and movements by participants, enabling opportunities for learning, imagination, reminiscence, and interaction with others.
Virtual Reality
As people age, they become more dependent on others and their horizons may narrow, which can have an impact on wellbeing. Virtual reality technology gives our residents the chance to experience activities and destinations they may not otherwise be able to. We’ve been able to create a library of amazing experiences, which everyone can enjoy from the comfort of an armchair, as part of our daily lifestyle program.
E-Pets
Many people love interacting with animals. Just a few minutes of connecting with an animal triggers an amazing reaction in the body which lowers stress hormones, and increases feel-good hormones. But what happens when there’s no furry friend around to provide much needed comfort? That’s when electronic companion animals really come into their own. Also known as ePets, they come in a number of different forms and look and feel remarkably lifelike, responding to touch in much the same way as a real animal. Each of our Care Communities has their own special family of electronic cats and dogs which bring comfort to many of our residents, particularly those living with dementia.
Mixed Media
We look for innovative ways to bring reminiscence to life for our residents and at Blacktown Terrace we transformed a room into a vintage train carriage for residents to enjoy, whilst showing a video of mixed media to enhance the experience. Recalling and reflecting upon important events and memories helps to link the past to the present.
