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An international digital project designed to restore a sense of community in residential aged care homes is being piloted in Victoria.
After it's success in Italy and Portugal, Monash University and Peninsula Health have partnered with hearing care foundation Amplifon to bring the “Ciao!” Project to Australian shores.
The people-centric program aims to "provide a better quality of care, and more positive experiences for older Australian adults in residential aged care facilities through digitally-enabled social connection."
The pilot will be delivered via Monash University's National Centre for Healthy Ageing (NCHA) Living Labs program across six Melbourne aged care homes. Residents will be able to communicate with people in other facilities, engage in fitness classes via teleconference and travel virtually via 80 inch screens.
NCHA director Professor Velandai Srikanth said the program facilitates active participation, representing a movement away from 'static' entertainment in aged care facilities (such as watching television), instead building community and engagement through digital connection.
“This is a great example of how our NCHA Living Labs program is working closely to improve the experience and wellbeing of those living in aged care,” said Professor Srikanth.
“Through our partnership with Amplifon and the application of leading-edge technology, we are aiming to make a big difference in the lives of many. We know that loneliness in aged care centres is widespread, and so I’m excited to see the launch of this “Ciao!” Program in Australia, and to view first-hand the impact, enjoyment and social inclusion possibilities it will have for those living in residential aged care.”
Professor Terry Haines, Primary and Allied Health Care head of school at Monash said the idea is to foster community moments within a controlled environment, allowing users to feel socially active.
“This initiative aims to enrich the lives of those in residential aged care, addressing a need that has been overlooked for far too long,” Professor Haines said.
“Through the collaboration of the Amplifon Foundation and the National Centre for Healthy Ageing, we are introducing to Australia a model that has been successfully trialled overseas, bringing world-class research and initiatives to the Australian aged care sector.”
Overseas the initiative has facilitated live and interactive events from prayer groups and visits from school children to live music concerts and art therapy sessions.
Maria Cristina Ferradini, Amplifon Foundation's managing director expressed her excitement at establishing the program internationally.
“We started the “Ciao!” Program in Australia after our successful experience, first in Italy and then in Portugal. This initiative demonstrates how, thanks to the virtuous combination of new technologies and creativity, it's possible to create new opportunities for relationships and social inclusion for older adults, especially those in nursing homes."
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