McLean Care takes out two categories at Eldercare Innovation Awards | The Inverell Times

Posted on June 7, 2019 by Design in Design Innovation | 0 Comments

McLean Care took out two major accolades at the seventh Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards. Held in Singapore, the local service took out prestigious Innovation of the Year for their ground-breaking mixed reality driving simulator for older drivers. More than 90 organisation from 17 countries were presented awards at the event, which focuses on harnessing innovation to improve the quality of life for older people across the Asia Pacific region. As a regional and rural service delivery specialist, McLean Care recognised the significant challenges faced by ageing drivers, particularly in rural communities with no transport alternatives. Loss of a licence signifies loss of independence for many older people and has been shown to negatively impact mental health, physical wellbeing, sense of control, community connection and social participation. Utilising grant funding from the Department of Health, McLean Care partnered with a team from the CADET Virtual Reality Laboratory at Deakin University to develop a mixed reality driving simulator, officially known as “Hector VR.” Over 12 months in the making, the simulator pairs the shell of a real vehicle with VR simulation and enables older drivers to practice a range of essential driving skills in a completely safe environment. The simulator monitors and records data on driver competencies such as reaction speed and observance of common road rules. This information is provided to the user to support dignified decision making about ongoing driving competence. The simulator is also suitable for supporting older people to practice driving and retain their skills for as long as possible. The project was a finalist in three categories, qualifying entries were reviewed by a panel of global industry experts from Australia, Hong Kong Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand. McLean Care won Best Solution to Support Ageing in Place – Wellness for a solution that demonstrates ease-of-use, elderly friendly, affordability and improves quality of life for older adults. McLean Care also took out the ultimate award of Innovation of the Year – Technology, for the best technological implementation that demonstrates improvement in quality of life for older adults. “It was an honour to receive both awards amongst a field of outstanding international candidates, all of whom are working towards making the lives of older people the best they can be. “Most significantly, these awards are the result of a wonderful group of more than 60 older people – ranging in age from 64 to 92 years of age, who so generously gave their time, feedback and suggestions for improvement. “This project, the first of its kind in the world, would not have been possible without them,” chief executive, Sue Thomson said.

May 30 2019 – 2:31PM

McLean Care takes out two categories at Eldercare Innovation Awards

McLean Care took out two major accolades at the seventh Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards.

Held in Singapore, the local service took out prestigious Innovation of the Year for their ground-breaking mixed reality driving simulator for older drivers.

More than 90 organisation from 17 countries were presented awards at the event, which focuses on harnessing innovation to improve the quality of life for older people across the Asia Pacific region.

As a regional and rural service delivery specialist, McLean Care recognised the significant challenges faced by ageing drivers, particularly in rural communities with no transport alternatives.

Loss of a licence signifies loss of independence for many older people and has been shown to negatively impact mental health, physical wellbeing, sense of control, community connection and social participation.

Utilising grant funding from the Department of Health, McLean Care partnered with a team from the CADET Virtual Reality Laboratory at Deakin University to develop a mixed reality driving simulator, officially known as “Hector VR.”

Over 12 months in the making, the simulator pairs the shell of a real vehicle with VR simulation and enables older drivers to practice a range of essential driving skills in a completely safe environment.

The simulator monitors and records data on driver competencies such as reaction speed and observance of common road rules. This information is provided to the user to support dignified decision making about ongoing driving competence.

The simulator is also suitable for supporting older people to practice driving and retain their skills for as long as possible.

The project was a finalist in three categories, qualifying entries were reviewed by a panel of global industry experts from Australia, Hong Kong Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand.

McLean Care won Best Solution to Support Ageing in Place – Wellness for a solution that demonstrates ease-of-use, elderly friendly, affordability and improves quality of life for older adults.

McLean Care also took out the ultimate award of Innovation of the Year – Technology, for the best technological implementation that demonstrates improvement in quality of life for older adults.

“It was an honour to receive both awards amongst a field of outstanding international candidates, all of whom are working towards making the lives of older people the best they can be.

“Most significantly, these awards are the result of a wonderful group of more than 60 older people – ranging in age from 64 to 92 years of age, who so generously gave their time, feedback and suggestions for improvement.

“This project, the first of its kind in the world, would not have been possible without them,” chief executive, Sue Thomson said.