SilVR Adventures is a past Future of Ageing Award winner – taking out the Technology: Health & Wellbeing category in 2020.
At St Vincent’s Care, innovation, collaboration, and community have converged to deliver a new initiative for residents. As part of St Vincent’s Health Australia, one of the country’s largest health and aged care providers, St Vincent’s Care has partnered with SilVR Adventures, Carina Leagues Club, and St Vincent’s Foundation Queensland to introduce virtual reality (VR) experiences. These immersive journeys transport residents to iconic global destinations, enhancing their quality of life and creating opportunities for meaningful connections—all from the comfort of their aged care community.
The vision
The idea for the VR program, which launched at St Vincent’s Care Carina, stemmed from a resident-driven initiative called Digital Horizons. The program aimed to reduce social isolation and improve well-being for residents unable to travel.
Greg Potent, Foundation Manager at St Vincent’s Foundation Queensland, explained:
“In 2023, we identified SilVR Adventures as the ideal partner to bring this vision to life. With funding from Carina Leagues Club, we made this dream a reality.”
Partnership in action
Carina Leagues Club embraced the project’s potential to strengthen community ties. Nigel Stainer, Community Support Board Director, shared:
“Our board was eager to support this initiative. Watching the VR myself, having recently been to Italy, was incredible. It’s a joy to see residents reliving memories and experiencing the world.”
The collaboration highlights the transformative potential of cross-sector partnerships in aged care.
Resident experiences
Residents have embraced the program enthusiastically. One resident reflected:
“The furthest I’ve been is to Tasmania, so seeing Westminster Cathedral and Indian caves was marvellous. It’s an incredible privilege.”
Others praised its environmental benefits and the joy it brought to their days:
“It’s a marvellous invention. I hope it continues to evolve and bring happiness to more people.”
Enhanced engagement
Beyond virtual travel, events such as Italian-themed afternoons—complete with cuisine and sensory elements—have amplified the program’s impact. Residents have expressed awe at the seamless integration of VR with real-world experiences.
Looking ahead
The success of the VR program has sparked interest in expanding it to other St Vincent’s Care facilities.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re exploring how to bring this program to more residents across our network.”
Greg Potent, Foundation Manager at St Vincent’s Foundation Queensland.
The partnership between St Vincent’s Care and SilVR Adventures demonstrates how technology and community collaboration can help improve aged care. By leveraging VR, the program enriches lives, fosters engagement, and sets a standard for innovation in the sector—proving that bold ideas can truly transform care for older Australians.
