Gurwin Healthcare System in Commack recently announced that its Immersion Room for Memory Care has won Gold in the Resident Engagement & Recreation category, and “Best in Show” in the 14th Annual McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards competition.
The annual industry competition recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies that positively impact the aging services sector.
Located in the heart of Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center’s Memory Care Unit (MCU), the Immersion Room is the first of its kind in long-term care on Long Island, designed specifically for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, and was created in collaboration with Besser Rooms of Amityville. Gurwin’s Immersion Room incorporates state-of-the-art projector technology and custom-made immersive experiences with stimulating sights, sounds and scents to engage the senses, mitigate symptoms and stir memories from bygone days. The innovative technology helps connect residents with parts of themselves that – in some cases – have been lost for years.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition for the Gurwin Immersion Room, which is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents living in our Memory Care Unit,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “The rapid growth of an aging population, together with the rising number of people affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and other cognitive issues has brought an urgent need for effective support therapies to ease symptoms of these diseases. We continually seek out advanced technologies and innovations that will help our residents feel more comforted and connected as they navigate their care journey.”
Made possible through a grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Gurwin’s Immersion Room is at its core an augmented virtual reality reminiscence therapy program, sans cumbersome VR googles, offering an engaging multisensory experience. The patented wall system is integrated with custom software designed to create therapeutic user experiences in a safe and stimulating environment. The total experience includes a seamless projection of 4K video onto each wall, surround sound, an aromatherapy feature and custom-made props, enabling residents to become fully immersed in the experience selected. From calming scenes customized to match resident interests such as a snowy forest or quiet chair yoga, or a more lively experience with a hands-on virtual drive through Gurwin park, or a YouTube roller coaster experience, the Gurwin Immersion Room offers a high-tech, holistic means to ease dementia symptoms, preserve cognitive function and enhance quality of life.
Piloting the program at Gurwin is Kathleen Biggs, CTRS, a Certified Dementia Specialist and Gurwin’s Assistant Director of Therapeutic Recreation, who says that the Immersion Room has enhanced programming for residents on the 60-bed Memory Care Unit. “The Immersion Room delivers individualized, patient-centric experiences that resonate with our residents and offer opportunities that may never have been possible again. Since its inception, we’ve noted sustained engagement in the experience provided, positive reminiscing and reduction in negative behaviors for those participating in the experiences. The Immersion Room is a holistic, non-pharmacological intervention that is helping to create meaningful connections and experiences for Gurwin’s memory care residents and their families to share.”
Click here to see a video on the Immersion Room: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5nklDERdQ0
About Gurwin Healthcare System
Gurwin Healthcare System is a renowned healthcare provider offering a full continuum of healthcare and senior living services for more than 35 years. Set on a 36-acre campus in Commack, NY, the System includes Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, providing short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care, memory care, respiratory and ventilator care, palliative and hospice care, social and medical adult day programs and on-site dialysis. Located within the Center is Gurwin Home Care agencies which provide in-home skilled care as well as home health aides. Sharing the campus is Gurwin’s Assisted Living community, Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences, and Fountaingate Gardens, a luxury apartment independent living community. Completing the Gurwin family of healthcare services is Island Nursing and Rehab Center, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility located in Holtsville, New York. For more information, visit www.gurwin.org. Follow Gurwin on Facebook (@GurwinNursingRehab) (@GurwinAssistedLiving) and on X (@GurwinJewish).
About the McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards
Recognizing healthcare organizations that have effectively utilized technology to enhance care and operations within their facilities, the McKnight’s Tech Awards honors organizations that are revolutionizing the industry within three divisions: Senior Living, Skilled Nursing, and Home Care. Each division for this competition was divided into four categories: Quality, Innovator of the Year, Keep It Super Simple, and Building Bridges. Submissions were judged by a distinguished, independent panel of 21 long-term care stakeholders.
