Dementia support workers will use virtual reality (VR) technology to experience life through the eyes of someone living with dementia to enhance care giving.
Dementia Australia’s new VR workshop aims to support care workers to improve the dining experience of people in their care.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the workshop was an immersive way for participants to enhance their skills, utilise a problem-solving approach to behaviours and optimise the dining experience for people living with dementia.
“For people living with dementia in community, home or residential care, a positive dining experience is so important,” Professor Buchanan said.
She said the ‘Dine with Ted” workshop used VR and avatar technology to see the dining experience through the eyes of someone living with dementia and demonstrated how physical, environmental and communication factors could cause changes in behaviour.
“Dine with Ted (VR) responds to the upcoming strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards around dining experiences for people living in Aged Care, as they have an elevated importance.”
Regis Aged Care Regional Quality and Improvement Manager (South) Rachel Mead said the Dine with Ted (VR) environment was realistic to the day-to-day work in providing a dining experience for residents.
“The technology used can really transport people to capture different perspectives. It was eye opening.” Ms Mead said.
Professor Buchanan said the workshop was suitable for staff providing support to people living with dementia in various care settings, including residential and home care.
