Gurwin Healthcare System Of Suffolk's Immersion Room Wins Award

COMMACK, NY — Gurwin Healthcare System 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, according to Gurwin Healthcare System. It 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, in a news release. "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."

Gurwin's Immersion Room was made possible by a grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The room is an augmented virtual reality reminiscence therapy program, sans 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, according to Gurwin. 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. The Immersion Room has enhanced programming for residents on the 60-bed Memory Care Unit, she said.

"The Immersion Room delivers individualized, patient-centric experiences that resonate with our residents and offer opportunities that may never have been possible again," Biggs said. "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."