Video conferencing project kicks off in the bush

The Western District Health Service in Victoria is introducing a Virtual Visiting program that will enable aged care residents to stay in touch with friends and relatives via video conferencing.

The project uses laptops, webcams and the internet to connect families and friends across large physical distances.

Launched by the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot and Australia’s Ambassador for Ageing, Noeline Brown, the initiative will receive $120,000 in Commonwealth funding over the next two years.

With part of the funding, the Western District Health Service will develop a resource kit that will be distributed to other aged care facilities throughout Australia to help replicate the project.

Ms Brown visited Kolor Lodge in Penshurst where she saw how the project works firsthand, as a 94-year-old resident had a face-to-face conversation with her granddaughter, 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.