Augmented Reality (AR) technology, once confined to entertainment and gaming, is now emerging as a powerful tool with the potential to revolutionise senior care and cognitive support. In Australia, institutions like Westmead General Hospital are at the forefront of using AR systems to aid seniors.
This article explores the case for employing augmented reality to assist seniors, its impact on memory recall, guiding seniors in using AR devices, and the actual usage of AR systems in Australia.
Augmented Reality (AR) Systems in Healthcare
Westmead General Hospital, NSW
In November 2023, the Western Sydney Local Health District announced that the Westmead General Hospital is organising Australia’s first-ever AR-based hospital tour programme. Held on 17 and 24 November 2023 as part of Westmead’s 45th anniversary, the “Past meets Future” tour brings visitors on a tour of the hospital as it stood through history, with six stations located along the corridors. Each station carries a 3D display to give visitors a chance to peruse archival materials from the comfort of their gadgets, while getting a glimpse of future developments. Expert tour guides were tapped to share noted stories of life at Westmead.
“This tour is a chance to immerse yourself in the clinical areas, research spaces and plans for the future. This hospital has so many spectacular achievements and stories to its name, and we are a part of so many families, from births to significant moments, and this is a wonderful way to experience it all and celebrate what is to come,” said Westmead Hospital general manager Jenelle Matic.
Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED)
In May 2023, the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) struck a partnership with La Trobe University’s Digital Innovation Hub to test the usage of AR units in an actual medical space. The work involves a nurse donning a Microsoft HoloLens device and tending to a patient. The machine’s integrated camera provides a video connection to a doctor overseeing the treatment. The tests’ good results have prompted La Trobe to consider using it for residential aged-care trials, subject to the TGA approving the HoloLens as a medical support apparatus. VVED director Dr Loren Sher said using AR units in a regional aged-care setting may free up centre staff for other work, as current setups involve one nurse holding an electronic gadget in front of a patient for telehealth consultations and another to counsel the patient during the session.
Uniting NSW.ACT
In late 2023, healthcare provider Uniting NSW.ACT embarked on an eight-week testing programme to network treatments at four rural/remote residential aged-care centres. The tests involved nurses using the Realwear Navigator 500 smart AR headset and thermal cameras linked by the TeamViewer remote software suite to a command centre at Uniting’s main office. The nurses wearing the device will attend to a patient as normal, with doctors at the Uniting command centre helping oversee the work; the nurse may also use the device to call the patient’s family or a nearby GP in emergency situations.
The tests revealed that in terms of consultations on-site and linked over telehealth, the immediate diagnoses increased the number of referrals but also avoided the possibility of some patients undergoing unnecessary measures such as hospital confinement. One patient who was initially recommended for amputation eventually had their case reviewed by a doctor on telehealth, and judged the amputation was not needed after all.
Partnerships and Research Initiatives
Several research collaborations between Australian universities and technology companies focus on developing AR solutions tailored for seniors. These initiatives aim to create personalised AR applications that cater to individual needs and improve quality of life.
Augmented Reality in Senior Care
Seniors often encounter cognitive challenges, including memory loss or decline, which can impact daily living. AR systems offer an innovative approach to support seniors by providing visual cues and prompts to aid memory recall and cognitive function.
Augmented reality empowers seniors to maintain independence by offering real-time assistance and guidance for tasks they might otherwise struggle with. It fosters autonomy while providing necessary support.
When integrating augmented reality (AR) systems into senior care, several health considerations are paramount to ensure the technology effectively enhances their well-being.
Vision and Hearing Impairments
Seniors often experience vision impairments, including reduced acuity or colour perception. AR systems need to offer adjustable font sizes, high contrast interfaces, and clear visual cues to accommodate these challenges. Hearing-impaired seniors may use AR devices for visual or haptic feedback alongside auditory cues to ensure information is accessible across different sensory modalities.
Physical Comfort and Mobility
In terms of physical comfort, AR devices should be lightweight, comfortable to wear for extended periods, and designed ergonomically to minimise discomfort, particularly for seniors with physical limitations or mobility issues. Some AR devices may still have buttons or switches as controls, which may be problematic for seniors with hand coordination issues. As such, AR devices with seniors as possible end-users will have hands-free interfaces or voice commands.
Cognitive Considerations
Some seniors might have cognitive issues trying to operate an AR device. To counter this, AR systems should minimise cognitive load, employing simple but intuitive interfaces and clear instructions to prevent confusion or frustration. For seniors susceptible to sensory overload, AR systems should allow custom settings to control the amount and complexity of information displayed, preventing overwhelming experiences.
Safety and Falls Prevention
AR systems should promote awareness of potential hazards in the environment to prevent falls. Real-time spatial mapping or alerts for obstacles can enhance safety for seniors, which may be possible if the device is linked to a larger network that shares real-time location data including potential accident areas. Augmented reality should not disrupt seniors’ sense of balance or spatial orientation. Devices must avoid sudden movements or visual disturbances that might affect stability.
Emotional Well-being
Seniors may feel anxious or isolated when introduced to new tech such as AR machines. Encouraging social interactions and providing emotional support during the learning process is essential, but the seniors can be guided to study the technology at their own pace. Celebrating small victories and successes using AR technology can build confidence.
Regular Monitoring and Support
Integrating health monitoring capabilities into AR systems can assist in tracking vitals, medication schedules, or appointments, enhancing overall health management for seniors.
Some seniors who have achieved basic proficiency with an AR device might need continued support, troubleshooting, and training programmes. Having readily available assistance for technical issues or questions ensures seniors feel supported in using AR devices.
Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals should be involved in the selection, implementation, and monitoring of AR systems for seniors. Collaborating ensures alignment with individual health needs and goals. In line with a potential deployment, regular feedback from seniors and caregivers helps refine AR systems, ensuring they evolve to meet changing needs and remain relevant and beneficial.
Visual Cues and Reminders
AR technology can create visual cues and reminders by overlaying digital information onto the physical environment. For instance, labelling household items or displaying reminders for daily tasks can assist seniors in memory recall.
Environmental Navigation
AR-based navigation systems can help seniors navigate unfamiliar environments, offering step-by-step guidance, maps, and markers, reducing confusion and anxiety.
Conclusion
Augmented Reality is poised to redefine how we support and care for seniors in Australia. By harnessing AR technology, seniors can benefit from enhanced memory recall, improved cognitive support, and increased independence in their daily lives.
As seen in initiatives like those at Westmead General Hospital and ongoing research collaborations, AR systems tailored for seniors hold immense promise in providing personalised assistance and fostering a sense of empowerment among Australia’s elderly population.
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