Garden Village brings interactive technology to its residents’ fingertips

Two residents at Garden Village, along with caregivers, take part in interactive games on the SMART Board.

Residents at Garden Village Port Macquarie, a residential aged care facility in Australia, enjoy the recently installed SMART Boards, designed to promote cognitive engagement and learning.

A residential aged care provider in the beachside town of Port Macquarie has embraced the world of technology to keep its residents engaged, installing interactive SMART Boards to boost their digital literacy and help address social isolation.

Research has shown that interactive technology plays an important role in slowing down cognitive decline, providing countless opportunities for engagement in people living with dementia. Much like virtual reality technology, smart technology is being embraced by aged care providers looking for new activities, challenges, and experiences for residents.

This initiative began as a way to keep seniors engaged and entertained in their daily lives, but soon spiralled into an impactful aid.

Over 85% of Garden Village residents live with dementia, meaning the new technology is the perfect addition as they can enjoy a variety of activities and experiences in a familiar setting.

The easy-to-use technology is also designed with simplicity in mind, meaning there will be very few hurdles for residents to jump over as they strengthen their digital literacy skills. Australians in their 70s and 80s are among those who struggle the most using digital devices or accessing the internet. Providing inclusive tools focused on learning and engagement is the perfect way to improve their understanding of technology.

“Technology has a great way to help seniors make connections with their past but also with their future,” Jeff Lowe, CCO of SMART Technologies, told NBN News.

“Curiously enough, the benefits are very similar to being a young learner. It’s all about engagement, interactivity, a sense of collaboration, a sense of purpose and learning.”

Garden Village said it also hopes the lessons learned will flow into other areas of technology use, including when residents are accessing telehealth appointments or online portals such as MyAgedCare.

Read the full story and see the impact SMART Boards are making for seniors in this news article from HelloCare: