DEMENTIA residents at Babinda Multi‑Purpose Health Service will benefit from a new interactive wellness system designed to enhance cognitive engagement, comfort and overall quality of life, thanks to a generous community donation.
The OmniVista interactive projection system has been installed in the facility’s aged care ward, which includes 11 residential aged care beds. The equipment was made possible through a donation from the Community Bank Babinda, through the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Romy Clark said the $17,000 technology would play an important role in supporting residents living with dementia.
“By implementing OmniVista in our facility, we can significantly enhance the experience of our dementia residents by providing engaging, meaningful activities that support both their cognitive and emotional wellbeing,” Ms Clark said.
“The system integrates memory games, brain exercises and other stimulating activities that encourage mental engagement and have been shown to help maintain cognitive abilities for as long as possible.”
In addition to cognitive stimulation, the OmniVista system offers a range of sensory-based activities projected onto tables or floors, allowing residents to interact through gentle movement and touch.
“These sensory activities can be incredibly calming,” Ms Clark said. “They provide comfort, help reduce agitation and can improve mood, which is so important for residents living with dementia.”
Ms Clark also acknowledged the vital role of local community support in bringing the project to life.
“We are extremely grateful to the Community Bank Babinda and the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation for their support. This donation means our residents can access innovative, metropolitan‑standard technology right here in Babinda.”
Community Bank Babinda deputy chair Kitty Anning said the Foundation’s grant application was successful because Community Bank Babinda is passionate about funding projects that provide exceptional services and experiences for our community.
“What this particular OmniVista technology does is it converts ordinary surfaces into interactive spaces. That might just sound like a bit of fun, but by encouraging physical activity and cognitive engagement, it actually allows the hospital team to deliver personalised rehabilitation programs,” Ms Anning said.
“Our seniors deserve high quality care within their local community, just as seniors in urban and metropolitan areas do, and this system is one way of providing that,” she said.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said it was a wonderful example of how community generosity could directly improve quality of life for people living with dementia in regional areas.
“This equipment provides meaningful engagement and sensory stimulation, making a real difference to patient wellbeing,” Mrs Hogan said.
“It’s a powerful reminder that when regional communities come together, they can deliver truly exceptional outcomes,” she said.
Photo: Babinda Multi‑Purpose Health Service staff (left to right) Louise Burrows, Deepa Vinoth, Romy Clark, Community Bank Babinda representatives Tanya Tuttle, Roisin Stager, Kitty Anning and hospital staff member Louise Vella with residents Annie Wonga, Audrey Jones and Jeanette Edwards.
