Life & Love Edition 14 by Hall & Prior

HALL & PRIOR H E A LT H & A G E D C A R E G R O U P

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REMEMBERING THE ANZACS Exercise Right Week NSW

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ABOUT HALL & PRIOR Started in 1992 by Michael Hall and Graeme Prior, Hall & Prior is a leading aged care provider with a passion for providing quality care to older people from all walks of life. Over the past 20 years, Hall & Prior has grown from one nursing home to an organisation that cares for over 1,500 people in Western Australia and New South Wales.

Our people are our greatest asset. Each one of our 25 aged care homes is led by an experienced director of nursing who works alongside a team of registered nurses, personal carers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dieticians and chefs to ensure that we meet the individual needs of every resident.

As a private, family-owned company, Hall & Prior is committed to bringing long-term benefits to our residents and their families. Our dedicated care teams provide round-the-clock care 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure that every resident feels well cared for and at home.

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On the Cover: Fairfield resident Clifford Eddy and his daughter Margaret Walsh placing a poppy at the Anzac service at Fairfield Aged Care Home

IN THIS ISSUE From the Chief Executive Officer Remembering our Anzacs

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Combined BCM at Aubrey Downer New Aged Care Quality Standards Exercise Right Week NSW

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LASA Next Gen Leaders Perth conference

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Fighting The Flu With Annual Vaccination Clinics LoveFest Perth

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Hall & Priors Menus Connect Culture And Food

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Exciting new training software rolls out for Hall & Prior Tuohy utilising new eye test technology

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23 CEO Graeme Prior and NSW General Manager Kris Healy placing a wreath at the ANZAC service at Glenwood Aged Care Home

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FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

It is my pleasure to welcome you to edition 14 of Life & Love magazine.

Through this edition, the themes of culture and tradition have stood out in several ways.

We have looked back at the past four years of Anzac Day commemorations, during the 100 year anniversary of the First World War and the creation

of the spirit of the Anzac. By continually paying tribute to those brave men and woman who gave their lives for our country, as well as the loved ones affected by way, we keep this history alive.

Our homes throughout Western Australia and New South Wales make a special effort each year to remember the sacrifices that

were made, and which had a profound effect on shaping our national history. This edition also looks at the connection between culture and food, as we look at the different styles of meals offered through our Perth linen and catering division, Fresh Fields Hospitality Services. By offering Asian-style meals, as well as an updated menu representing the traditional diet

of Aboriginal Australians, we can make our facilities feel more like home. Through our work with The Maggie Beer Foundation, we know the effect that tasty, nutritious food can have not just on a person’s health, but their overall happiness.

But with tradition, we have also seen change in recent times. After an extensive review of the national aged care accreditation process, a new, single framework of standards has been developed. The new standards presents Hall & Prior with an opportunity to conduct a comprehensive review of our current policies and processes to make so ensure that they are not only representative of best practice, but they also

enable compliance with the new standards. I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of these changes for the quality of care around the nation.

In recent weeks, we have been proud to sponsor several local events across the industry.

LoveFest Perth, founded by the Museum of Love, was created to challenge stigmas around dementia and show the bonds that still exist between loved ones. We also supported young leaders in the industry, with the launch of the Leading Aged Services Australia (LASA) Next Gen seminar. Young people are an important part of every organisation, and I was pleased to not only sponsor the event, but also ensure that we had a

diverse group of clinical and corporate young leaders attend the seminar.

As we enter the second half of 2018, we will go forward with energy and teamwork, keeping our residents’ needs at the forefront of all we do.

We are committed to our organisation’s growth, the development of our staff, and most of all, providing exceptional care for older Australians.

GRAEME PRIOR Chief Executive Officer

As we enter the second half of 2018, we will go forward with energy and teamwork, keeping our residents’ needs at the forefront of all we do.

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REMEMBERING THE ANZACS Each year on April 25, people around the world come together to pay tribute to our nation’s most revered group of soldiers: the ANZACs. It is a day of remembrance for those who died on the beaches of Gallipoli, but has become a day to pay respect to all those who have served and died in conflicts around the world.

2018 marks the last year of the Anzac Centenary, marking 100 years since Australian and New Zealand troops left their home shores, headed for the battle fronts of the First World War. It is also a time to honour the service and sacrifice of the generations of Australian servicemen and women who have defended our values and freedoms, in wars, conflicts and peace operations.

Since 2014, Hall & Prior homes have held annual Anzac Commemoration Services in the two weeks leading up to Anzac Day to commemorate the Centenary Years of World War 1. Throughout the homes they have always been a special day for both residents and staff alike, to pay tribute and remember the courage and sacrifice made by thousands of servicemen in the Australian and New Zealand forces who fought to make our country what it is today.

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Alloa Alloa held an ANZAC commemorative service on the 17th of April. The service commenced with our special guests David Jeffreys, Edith Young and Ian Bucanan from the Bondi RSL. Heather Burghouse, a resident at Alloa and the former representative of the Bondi RSL women’s auxiliary laid the special ANZAC wreath.

Guest councillor Leesher Payor from George’s river council opened up the ceremony with a story of her uncles who served in World War 2. Medals were worn proudly and stories and pictures were exchanged amongst everyone on the day. Residents participated with John reading a poem and Dennis helped raise the Australian flag.

Special thank you also to Kogarah brass band who entertained our guests and provided the music for the service. We would also like to thank Bev and Peter Bitmead for joining us as well as all who attended and helped throughout the day to make it special for our residents.

Clover Lea Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important national commemorative occasions.

This year, we celebrated and honoured the Anzacs on18th April 2018.

Residents, relatives and staff participated in the ceremony as well as Reverend Christopher Prakash who blessed those who attended.

A bugler from the Australian Army Band completed our tributes.

Fairfield Fairfield held its ANZAC service on the 19th of April. The service was well attended by residents and their visitors. Sarah Riach, our DON, began by that all those that attended our commemoration of servicemen past and present.

Our Mayor Frank Carbone made a beautiful reading about ANZACs. Paul Bryant from Fairfield RSL read a beautiful story about mateship across two continents. Flight Lieutenant Ben spoke with pride as he told us stories from his own experience of all the missions he has been on. James Riach read “In Flanders Fields”. This was followed by our resident Gemma who read “A Prayer for Peace”. We all paused for a minute’s silence where we faced our flag and listened to the last post.

It was a special service to say thank you to everyone that has fought for our country to afford us the freedom we have and remember those no longer with us.

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Caroline Chisholm On the 20th of April, Friday at 1.30 pm, Caroline Chisholm hosted an ANZAC commemoration service to mark the contribution as well as the suffering of the brave men and women who served in the wars and conflicts that Australia, New Zealand and the world had to endure. The home would like to thank the mayor of Lane Cove council, Cr. Pam Palmer, Mr. Barnaby Flanagan from Chatswood RSL, Mr. Robert Woodbury from North Ryde RSL, Simone Katz from the Lane Cove Music Society and all the families of the residents of Caroline Chisholm who were there at the service to show their support.

Cr. Pam Palmer deliverd the remembrance address citing the contribution and gallant sacrifice of the Anzacs.

Mr. Robert Woodbury read the “Ode”.

Mr. Barnaby Flanagan did a reading of “Anzac Day Requiem” by Dr C E W Bean.

Grafton Our Anzac Day was celebrated with Bob Hayes coordinating on the day. We had a good crowd of people to support their families and friends. Aimee Perkins represented Sth Grafton Primary School by doing a reading and prayer. Rodney Batty from Big River Baptist Fellowship recited a well-known untitled poem which he named “The making of a Name”. Originally written by Private R Thompson 1191 D Company 2nd Battalion.

Thank you to Chris Gulaptis for his contribution of a wreath and many others that placed poppies on the board and placed wreaths.

Unfortunately the weather brought us indoors but hot coffee from Kyles Coffee Van was most inviting on the cooler day. Thank you to those who brought medals and memorabilia for us to view.

Shangri-La On April 24th we held our annual ANZAC service. ANZAC day is a very important day for our residents, as a lot of them lost loved ones during the war and also lived through The Great Depression.

Thank you to everyone who came along to participate in our service. Special thanks to John Bussutic from South Hurstville RSL Sub Branch who led our service.

Our service was followed by a very Australian afternoon tea, including lamingtons, ANZAC biscuits, cheesecake and lots more. The coffee man came and brewed us all beautiful coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

We all had a very enjoyable afternoon. Thank you again to everybody for your continued support. We look forward to sharing this special day with you again in 2019.

All Hall & Prior homes will continue to hold special commemoration ANZAC Day events into the future. The meaning and importance of these services is evident through attendance and gratitude of our residents, family members, local community and staff.

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HALL & PRIOR MEET FOR DUAL-STATE BUSINESS COUNCIL MEETING Key managers from across Hall & Prior’s Western Australian and New South Wales operations recently convened at Aubrey Downer Aged Care Home in Gosford, on the NSW Central Coast.

The two-day Business Council Meeting was organised to deliver the roadmap that will enable our organisation to meet the new, more stringent national accreditation outcomes.

The meeting commenced with an address from Chief Executive Officer Graeme Prior, highlighting the groups’ longstanding positive performance with national accreditation standards.

“We strongly support the Commonwealth’s push to ‘lift the bar’ when it comes to quality and accreditation for Australian aged care organisations,” Mr Prior said.

“These changes will have positive impacts for the care of all care recipients in residential aged care homes, or those receiving services from home care organisations.”

Key members of Hall & Prior’s quality and compliance team then provided an in-depth analysis of the requirements of the new standards, including a comprehensive review of the Standards Guidance Material.

Information from a gap analysis was also presented as part of the meeting, including a breakdown to identify where Hall & Prior needs to revise policies, processes and procedures to ensure compliance.

Following this briefing, all of our Directors of Nursing, along with key corporate staff broke out the butcher’s paper and markers to address key questions raised in the analysis.

Twenty four hours later, the key outcomes were presented back, with a comprehensive plan to dictate action through to 1 July 2019, when the new standards come into effect.

Quality, Safety and Compliance WA Director Julie Beaton said that it was wonderful to see all the Directors of Nursing so committed to improving internal systems.

After the gathering, all of our Directors of Nursing then headed to Sydney to attend the International Dementia Conference. Thought leaders from around the world came together to discuss the concept of choice in clinical care.

Throughout Hall & Prior, we want to ensure that we just don’t meet the standards, but exceed them. This event has paved our path forward, and was a crucial step towards this goal.

THE SINGLE AGED CARE QUALITY FRAMEWORK & UNANNOUNCED ACCREDITATION VISITS The Aged Care Standards have been in place since the late 1990s, and represent the quality of care and services that are expected from Australian aged care organisations. The current four standards for residential care, together with the three standards for home care services are proposed to be replaced with eight standards with 40 outcomes across all domains.

The planned Commonwealth Government regulatory changes were in motion, but recent issues and events such as the Oakden Older Person Mental Health Service Review in South Australia have sped up the implementation. The recently increased number of non-compliance notices and sanctions following site audits by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency around Australia was also a contributing factor.

One example of the effects of the changes is the observable increase in accreditation being revoked and other findings of serious risk decisions that have been lodged in New South Wales and in Western Australia.

It is clear that the Government is motivated to ensure the lessons from Oakden are well understood. The aged care sector needs to ensure that care and services are provided in a safe and competent way, and that environments are in line with consumers’ needs. This is being

achieved through the new standards, but also through the introduction of unannounced reaccreditation audits.

The Aged Care Complaints Commission, the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency and some functions of the Department of Health will merge into the new, independent Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. This Commission will work towards improving the sector alongside it to improve education and partnerships.

The single quality framework will: • increase the focus on quality outcomes for consumers • recognise the diversity of service providers and consumers • better target assessment activities based on risk • reflect best practice regulation.

Key dates: • Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission commences operation 1 January 2019 • Unannounced accreditation audits commence 1 January 2019 • Services to be accredited under the new Single Aged Care Quality Framework as of 1 July 2019

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EXERCISE RIGHT WEEK 2018 Exercise Right Week is a national campaign to help inspire people to get moving and live a more active and healthy lifestyle. The theme for this year’s Exercise Right Week is ‘Motivation to Move’ held from May 21-27.

The aim is to not only showcase the importance of seeking the right exercise expert but to also promote and raise awareness of Accredited Exercise Physiologists as well as Accredited Exercise and Sports Scientists.

Hall & Prior has a team of four Exercise Physiologists and Scientists in New South Wales which make up our larger allied health group.

Laura Majewski – Exercise and Mobility Coordinator Our Exercise & Mobility Coordinator Laura Majewski is passionate about helping people and has been helping our residents since starting

in 2014 by enhancing their movement and wellbeing not just from a physical capacity but social as well.

Her role involves assessing resident’s mobility and movement capacities dependant on their needs as well as creating care plans most suited to the individual, conducting ongoing education for the staff regarding manual handling and falls prevention as well as building strong relationship with residents and their families and providing support for family members to help optimise the care of their loved one and to better understand the condition of their relative. The noticeable benefits are that residents and their families can see the progress of ongoing exercise and how it can promote wellbeing and give a sense of purpose not only to the residents but also to Laura who describes the role as being incredibly rewarding.

“It’s more than just being able to walk, it’s about living a comfortable, pain free life,” said Laura. “I love working with the elderly as the response from them is incredible. Their faces light up when exercise class start or they can see themselves improving their mobility.”

Laura was recently awarded a Better Practice Award for her ‘Resisting Age Related Muscle Decline’ program that she rolled out in five of our New South Wales homes. This initiative was in response to the recognition that rehabilitating muscles in the elderly could give better quality of life and enjoyment to aged care residents.

“This is such a huge honour to be recognised by the Governments, Australian Aged Care & Quality Agency for a Better Practice Award,” said Laura. “Working alongside professionals that want to better the health and wellbeing of the elderly community inspires me,” Laura said.

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Emily Cordas – Exercise Physiologist As an Accredited Physiologist Emily Cordas primary focus is to use exercise to prevent, manage and treat complex medical conditions of our residents. She is equipped with the knowledge and skills to clinically deliver and evaluate safe and effective exercise and movement for residents with chronic diseases, injuries and disabilities.

Emily not only assesses the resident’s mobility and ensures that correct measures are taken for transfers, but also increases the level of physical activity amongst the residents either through group exercise classes or one-on-one sessions.

An increase in physical activity and the implementation of exercise programs amongst the elderly produces a wide range of physical, mental and psychosocial benefits. This increase in exercise can prevent or aid the management of chronic health conditions.

“In my short time here at the Vaucluse facility I have witnessed vast improvements in some of the residents’ function which gives me a great sense of pride and continues to encourage me to make these positive contributions towards society which I feel is very important,” said Emily. “I look forward to continuing to make positive changes in the lives of the residents.”

Emily’s desire to help the elderly improve their health and quality of life has proven her to be an integral member of the Hall & Prior team. Her skills are well received by our residents who can see improvements in their mobility and clinical status.

Jordan Lee and Suzanne Howard– Physiotherapists Aged Care requires attention and support of the highest standard due to the vulnerability of residents. We have two Physiotherapists within NSW, Jordan Lee and Suzanne Howard. Through a holistic approach their role aims to keep our residents actively mobile, increase quality of life and independence as well as to provide a safe and enjoyable environment.

They assist in the development and planning of activities that enhance movement and health, ensuring Physiotherapy assessments keep all staff and residents’ safe, staff training and policy and for reviews to ensure they are using the most current information.

“Through these processes I hope to make a difference to the lives of those who are cared for by Hall and Prior, and those who work with us,” said Jordan.

Please visit www.exerciseright.com.au for more information, articles, and evidence based research and how to get involved.

Exercise Right also offers a free pre-screening quiz. This online tool helps individual’s asses their exercise needs and the type of exercise professional to consult.

To take the quiz please visit www.exerciseright.com.au/quiz Let’s get moving!

SUPPORTING YOUNG AGED CARE LEADERS In May, we were proud to sponsor the Leading Aged Services Australia (LASA) Next Gen Young Leaders Forum.

Aimed at young professionals currently in the aged care industry, or those seeking a career change, the full-day event was held at the Perth Arena.

The day kicked off with an address from Minister for Aged Care the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, who discussed the importance of millennials in the industry, particularly with the nation’s ageing population.

3D Recruit Director Laura Sutherland then presented an engaging session on engaging Gen Ys, who are set to make up half of the workforce across Australia in the next five years.

“We need to future-proof our industry, and age diversity will make us stronger,” she said.

According to research in the area, salary is not a main driver

for a Gen Ys person’s work, with passion and work-life balance being ranked as more important.

“Millennials work for a sense of belonging and purpose, and from an organisation they want to see a strong internal culture, opportunities to grow and learn and flexibility.”

The event also included a session on mentoring by Acorn Network Founding Director Samantha Bowen and Baptistcare Chief Executive Officer Russell Brickness, as well as an engaging discussion on leadership.

Southcare CEO Dr Nicky Howe spoke about repackaging aged care to enable positive movement in the industry. She spoke about the importance of breaking change down to small, manageable steps to reduce the risk of overwhelm with all of the steps required to build a new vision for the Australian

Aged Care industry. All guests at the event created individual action plans for changes they wanted to see come to fruition within their own life, within their organisation and for the sector as a whole.

Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior has previously spoken about the big impact that young people can have on an organisation.

“As an organisation, we want to become a talent workshop, where we help exceptional people to excel in aged care,” he said.

“Our staff members have access to a wide range of education programs, both developed internally based on best-practice, or through relationships with external training organisations. Young people have the power to make a big difference in the lives of older Australians.”

FIGHTING THE FLU WITH ANNUAL VACCINATION CLINICS In order to reduce the risk of catching the flu during winter, we run our annual influenza vaccine clinics for staff across all our homes and offices. Hall & Prior’s immunisation program was launched in 2011, and is coordinated by our multidisciplinary resource team and our clinical staff.

The vaccine is offered free of charge to all staff, helping to guard them against the flu and its symptoms of body aches, tiredness and congestion. But it also protects our residents by keeping flu germs out of our homes. For an older person, particularly those who have existing medical conditions, contracting influenza can have more serious effects than it would in an otherwise healthy adult.

We make it easy for our staff to get the vaccine, with Registered Nurses running clinics at all facilities, and for all shifts. The team at Rockingham Aged Care Home, located south of Perth, were excited to kick of their 2018 vaccinations in June.

Having the flu vaccination each year is the best way to prevent getting the flu and its complications. Every year the strain of flu virus changes and the vaccine wears off, so you need to have the vaccine each year.

To help stop the spread of the flu, covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough is recommended, as well as washing your hands thoroughly or using hand sanitizing gel.

INAUGURAL LOVEFEST KICKS OFF IN PERTH A new community initiative was launched in May to celebrate love in the lives of people with dementia. Hall & Prior we are proud to be among the sponsors for the LoveFest Perth, which aims to address the stigma of people living with dementia. LoveFest is an initiative of the Museum of Love, part of the Celebrate Ageing Program.

The festival was created to raise awareness of the human experience of living with dementia and to build support for dementia-friendly communities and services.

It also aimed to address the stigma of social isolation face by people with dementia.

The event was comprised of a two-week photo exhibition and a one-day festival.

community members with dementia.

“We want to shift the focus on brain function and loss, to the heart and social connections,” she said.

“We know the struggles that people with dementia face, and how lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people tend to face to face added challenges.

The public art exhibition opened on May 2 and was held within Garden City Shopping Centre, in Perth’s southern suburbs. It featured an incredible series of portraits featuring people with dementia and their loved ones.

City of Melville Mayor Russell Aubrey said he was pleased the City was a part of the initiative.

The opening day saw the space completely filled with industry guests, community members, curious people who were passing by, and the portrait subjects and their families.

The photographs were taken

by Lisa White, The Social Photographer.

“They were quite emotional shoots to be a part off - there was so much love in the room,” she said.

Museum of Love Curator Dr Catherine Barrett said the event was about challenging stereotypes and encouraging people to reach out to

“This series shows that no one is immune to the effects of dementia, there are so many families who have a loved one with the condition,” he said.

“This is about humanity and a request for compassion. The people in the photos have worked hard all their lives and never asked for anything.

“To support people like the ones in the photos here today, the City of Melville is committed to building an age-friendly community.”

In the City, there is a regular Memory Cafe, which is a safe space for people who either have dementia or have a loved one who does. They are able to share their experiences and be reminded that they’re not alone.”

Bicton MLA Lisa O’Malley also attended the exhibition opening. “While door-knocking at election time I meet a lot of people with dementia living on their own, and I’ve learned more about the challenges they face,” she said.

“I love the way the support of family members has been shown through these photos.”

The second part of LoveFest saw service providers and people with dementia and their families come together for a full day of sharing stories and knowledge.

While the heartfelt and powerful stories that were shared caused a few tears, the event overall had a positive tone, with everyone there excited to interact and help others.

Workshops were held as part of the festival, which explored the ways in which a sense of belonging matters to people with dementia, and how that feeling can be enhanced.

To cap off the event, Catherine led an activity to get attendees thinking about real ways they can create change in their communities.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this successful event, and we look forward to seeing how it evolves in the future.

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HALL & PRIOR MENUS CONNECT CULTURE AND FOOD Food has always been a way for people to come together and share experiences, traditions and social contact. We recognise the importance that food has on a person’s health, overall well-being and how certain meals can spark memories of good times past.

Through Hall & Prior’s linen and catering division Fresh Fields Hospitality Services, we are able to provide tasty, nutritionally balanced meals to our 13 homes in the Perth metropolitan area.

Our residents come from a diverse range of cultures, and we are pleased that we are able to provide a variety of meal options.

Along with catering for vegetarian meals and other dietary requests, we have provided an Asian-style for many years.

In June, we were proud to launch our revamped Aboriginal mealtime options, and to celebrate we held a special lunch at Windsor Park Aged Care Home. Located in Carlisle, in Perth’s east, Windsor Park has many Aboriginal residents.

In 2016, the home was presented with a Commonwealth Better Practice Award for their work to provide a culturally valid model of care to Aboriginal people. Selected annually by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency, the awards acknowledge innovative and person-centred programs.

Windsor Park Executive Manager Sharyn McDavitt said she was pleased with the results of the new menu. Working alongside Aboriginal Health Coordinator Wendy Ashwin, Sharyn is continually looking for new ways to enhance her residents’ lives.

The meal brought back memories of time spent with family for many of the residents.

One woman happily spoke about making damper and other breads in the ashes of a fire. Kangaroo stew was the most highly anticipated item on the day’s menu.

In July, as part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations, all of our Perth homes will enjoy some delicious Aboriginal dishes.

EXCITING NEW TRAINING SOFTWARE ROLLS OUT FOR HALL & PRIOR Each year, we deliver more than 30,000 hours of training across all areas of our organisation. To help make our sessions more engaging and make competency assessments more efficient, we are beginning to utilise KP1 audience response software as part our processes.

The technology allows presenters to integrate multiple-choice questions into the content, whether for fun, to keep people engaged, or for points that go towards the person’s final grade for the course. Members of the audience then indicate their response through remotes, and the results are calculated instantly.

The presenter can use the results to gather feedback, to maintain people’s interest and

to measure the respondents’ understanding of the content.

Hall & Prior Staff Learning & Development Coordinator Felicia Lopez said the software also makes training more efficient and reduces paper waste.

“Because the polls engage the participants better, we can save time in the delivery because rather than getting to the very end and asking questions, they are done as part of the presentation,” she said.

“You can include a timer on the PowerPoint to show people how long they have to answer, and the facilitator will be able to address any shortfalls in comprehension there and then. Through the existing annual Core Training program, and the specialised areas of

education such as clinical information, food handling, and cleaning procedures, we always generated a lot of paperwork every year by having paper tests.

“The tests then get marked manually and the results are entered into the computer for processing, which is a very time-consuming process. So by utilising KP1, we are able to reduce the amount of resources we use, as well as the time it takes to finalise the results.”

Felicia said in the future she’d like to see it used for team activities and collaborative learning, where a group have to work together to come up with an answer.

KP1 is expected to roll out in our WA training sessions in July.

More engaging training: Staff Learning & Development Coordinator Felicia Lopez (centre) and Hall & Prior staff recently tested out the KP1 polling software for use in training sessions.

TUOHY RESIDENTS TEST OUT NEW EYE TEST TECHNOLOGY

Testing new tech: Residents at Tuohy Aged Care Home were able to try new visual field test technology using a virtual reality headset.

Eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma can severely impact a person’s vision and their overall wellbeing. Assessing a person’s visual function is an important part of testing for those conditions and others that affect the eye.

At Tuohy Aged Care Home, located in the suburb of Midland, in Perth’s east, residents were able to test new technology based around virtual reality (VR) headsets. Martin Sawtell, cofounder of BetaSight Technologies has created a prototype of a product he hopes will one day become readily used in clinical environments, including aged care facilities.

The headset allows a person’s eye movements to be recorded, in a way that is less tiring and expensive than technology that is currently used.

The idea was sparked by Martin’s experiences with vertigo, and the intense effects that the changes in his sense of balance had on his eye movement and vision.

“It made me start thinking about how visual function can be affected by a lot of conditions, and how costly and challenging the existing is to undertake,” he said.

“The existing visual field test is difficult because to get accurate results, the participant is not allowed to move their eyes for eight minutes.

“It also uses an expensive machine that isn’t able to be transported to other locations such as an aged care home. In comparison, a VR headset is very portable.

The headset is able to monitor wherever someone looks during the test, instead of them having to accurately state it at. Martin said it’s more engaging and interactive, especially as people with Alzheimer’s have strong instincts to look at things when they appear.

The technology could also be used to test cognitive development in children. It was created with BetaSight co-founder Corey Manders, who also currently works with the Singapore Eye Research Unit, a highly respected organisation within the industry.

“The next step is clinical validation and acceptance, and we are currently organising a clinical trial,” Martin said.

“If you look into where VR is going in the future, the marketplace is changing rapidly and it is becoming more commonplace.”

We look forward to seeing the future of this technology, and the benefits it could have for older people across Australia.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.”

Lest we forget

HEAD OFFICE 16-18 Mayfair Street West Perth WA 6005 PO Box 1593 West Perth WA 6872 T 08 9321 1388 F 08 9321 1490 E info@hallprior.com.au NEW SOUTH WALES STATE OFFICE 274 Burns Bay Road Lane Cove NSW 2066 PO Box 84 Lane Cove NSW 1595 T 02 9427 8978 F 02 9427 3218 E infonsw@hallprior.com.au

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