A range of exciting new initiatives at Rural Northwest Health are set to enhance the aged care residential experiences at both the Warracknabeal and Hopetoun campuses.
Utilising modern technology and traditional activities, residents will experience a range of personalised and collaborative experiences that will provide new interests as well as maintain a connection with the past.
Interactive technology
Bronwyn McIntyre, the Leisure and Lifestyle Team Leader at the Warracknabeal campus will be introducing Obie Projection interactive technology that responds to hand, feet and other movements without the need for any computer gaming skills. The technology can be adapted to individual visual, cognitive and auditory capacities and the games and activities can be projected safely onto many everyday surfaces. Previously, digital technology seemed to have avoided the aged sector.
From painting to passing a ball, to jigsaws and traditional games like Mahjong, the highly interactive activities assist social isolation, loneliness and cognitive and motor skills. The opportunities are many and encourage multiple players to join in the fun. Importantly, the various activities will encourage a great deal of interaction between residents and their grandchildren. Ms. McIntyre advised that Rural Northwest Health will also be seeking to encourage a connection between school children and residents.
Obie projectors have been purchased and are soon to be installed.
Virtual Reality
The Aged Care program has purchased Virtual Reality goggles in preparation for another innovative and achievable experience for residents. The goggles transform the natural environment into a seamless virtual reality world. One resident has related a lifelong aspiration for parachuting. This will become a virtual reality when the program becomes operational. Jacqueline Johnston at Yarriambiack Lodge is developing the VR Goggles project.
Easter
Aged Care residents in Warracknabeal will be out to celebrate this Easter. A bus is to be decorated and will feature in the traditional Easter Parade in the main street.
ANZAC Day
The 2023 ANZAC Day will be observed by the Warracknabeal aged care residents commencing with a Big Breakfast on campus prior to attending the traditional town ceremony. Many will attend with family and friends at ANZAC Park.
Kitchen Garden
The all too vivid memories of lockdowns and isolation has highlighted the importance of outdoor experiences and working together.
The Aged Care program will be applying for funding to establish at least one and possibly two Kitchen Gardens at the Warracknabeal facility. Likely choices are the Wattle and Yarriambiack Lodge locations. The kitchen garden terminology obviously suggests growing plants for onsite use in the preparation of meals. However, the program will also have broader opportunities for encouraging physical activity, improving diet, maintaining previous life skills and reducing social isolation. The funding round closes on 21 April 2023.