Media Statement - 4th December 2008
Minister for Ageing Mrs Justine Elliot today announced the launch of
Virtual Visiting, an initiative linking older Australians living in
rural aged care accommodation with their loved ones via video
conferencing.
The Virtual Visiting allows aged care residents – especially those with
hearing problems – to speak with their families and friends anywhere in
the world through video conferencing technology and the internet.
Virtual visiting is being implemented by the Western District Health
Service in Victoria. Over the next two years, the project would receive
$120,000 in Australian Government funding.
“With the use of a laptop, webcam and video conferencing technology, families can remain connected,” Mrs Elliot said.
“Older Australians faced with the challenges of vast physical distances
between them and their loved ones will greatly benefit from the project.
“This is better than the traditional telephone call. It assists older
people to stay connected with family and friends,” Mrs Elliot said.
As part of the funding, the Western District Health Service is
developing a resource kit that will be distributed to other aged care
facilities throughout Australia to help explain how to introduce this
project.
The Western District Health Service provides 170 residential aged care
beds catering to all care needs, and also provides 30 community care
places and respite care services.
Australia’s Ambassador for Ageing, Ms Noeline Brown, today experienced
first hand how this project is benefiting the lives of older people.
She visited Kolor Lodge in Penshurst in rural Victoria
where she saw the interaction between 94-year-old resident Mrs Sylvia
Simons and her grand daughter Kylie, who lives three hours drive away
in Melbourne.
“This project uses technology to help older people in rural areas
maintain social connections with the people they love,” Ms Brown said.
“Virtual Visiting is a wonderful initiative that helps families get together at important times in their lives.
“The ability to see a loved one's face, rather than just a voice over
the phone is very special for people living in rural aged care
accommodation, whose children may live miles away or in another
country,” Ms Brown said.