1190 days ago

Armchair travel to many countries

Bupa Fergusson Retirement Village

Virtual reality technology has allowed residents to see the world from their armchairs.

A group of residents in Bupa Hugh Green Care Home were amazed by an immersive experience recently, donning headsets for a virtual reality tour of Egypt, India, Italy and Croatia.

The virtual travel tour is in HD, 4K and is part of a technology trial for the care home. The care home activity team talking the residents through the accompanying narrative.

The technology is from SilVR, specialising in education using virtual reality through 360º photos, sound and videos. The headset can provide a vast library selection of locations and interests to choose from.

Residents were guided through Cairo’s Great Sphinx of Giza, the Hawa Mahal Jaiur in India, and the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.

General Manager, Ian Dunthorne says the technology initiative has become popular worldwide with care homes due to lockdowns restricting travel.

“Our residents, with and without cognitive impairment, have found this to be an amazing journey. Reminiscing of their own past travel trips can trigger conversation during and after the VR as a shared experience or on their own.”

After the session, specialty cups of tea were shared from countries the residents had visited. This capped off their virtual reality travel trip from the comfort of their care home lounge.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Would you want an unconventional funeral?
  • 85.8% Yes
    85.8% Complete
  • 12.5% No
    12.5% Complete
  • 1.7% Other - I'll share below!
    1.7% Complete
1070 votes
5 days ago

Lest we forget...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.

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19 hours ago

Last Minute Reminder for New Tai Chi Classes

Andrew from Birchville

Join Tai Chi Instructor Andrew Hardwick for rejuvenating Tai Chi classes at Te Kupenga o Rongomai - Maidstone Sports Hub.

Te Kupenga o Rongomai - Maidstone Sports Hub
15 Railway Avenue, Maidstone, Upper Hutt 5018
Upper Hutt 5018

In these sessions, we will focus on improving your health, breath, balance, posture, flexibility, and mindset. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this class is perfect for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being. Note: Your Tai Chi Instructor, Andrew Hardwick, is a member of the New Zealand National Tai Chi Ch'uan Association Inc. (NZNTCCA)

Classes will run in school term times only, with the first set of classes to begin in School Term 2 covering the period May 1st - July 4th 2024
Enjoy 10 sessions per term for just $90 if paid in advance
For payment details contact Andrew on 0211532508
(Sorry no refunds for missed classes)
Alternately, pay $10 per session on the day

Class times
Wednesday evenings 7pm - 8pm
Thursday mornings 10am - 11am

Embrace a new journey to wellness and vitality with Tai Chi.

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