Neighbor News
Residents use technology to explore their passions at Blue Bell Place
Pat Keaveney's love and knowledge of birds increased after participating in the community's class and using EngageVR on the topic
Every evening before dinner, Blue Bell Place resident Pat Keaveney can be found in the community’s lush courtyard quietly listening to the peaceful chirping of birds. The brightly colored birds that visit, such as cardinals and blue jays, are the 87-year-old's favorites to observe. Now, she is taking her role as a birder to a new level with support from her retirement community’s use of virtual reality.
Keaveney was thrilled to participate in the community’s recent class and use EngageVR, a virtual reality program that has become a signature feature of Watermark Retirement Communities. She learned the five S’s of birding: shape, shade, sound, size, and space. Then, the EngageVR gave her an up-close look at many of the winged creatures.
The class was so successful that Blue Bell Place’s community life director, Cindy Franklin, followed it with another session on birds that are active at night, such as owls.
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“Our EngageVR introduces topics like birds to the residents with modern technology in a way that a video or music cannot,” said Franklin. “It is a very cool way to get them involved in a favorite or new subject they would like to explore.”
Now, Keaveny has deeper knowledge that makes her hobby even more enjoyable.
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“Birds are so interesting to watch,” she said. “Just hearing the birds cheers me up, relaxes me and clears my mind. And the grounds at Blue Bell Place are so beautiful. You can sit in the garden and just enjoy the birds.”
Franklin said the EngageVR helps support residents in living rich lives and thriving at Blue Bell Place. She recently used the technology for the community’s Space Day. The program gave residents a chance to launch into space and view the moon and the earth from above.
In the coming months, Blue Bell Place will use EngageVR for Fruit Ninja games, Guided Imagery for stress relief and relaxation, and Nature Treks for flowers and all things summer.
The program also is used by residents in Blue Bell Place’s newly renovated Memory Care community. EngageVR gives residents the opportunity to return to places filled with memories, including a childhood home, or experience something new.
The transformed Memory Care community also boasts additional signature features of Watermark Retirement Communities, such as Gourmet Bites Cuisine. Residents receive nutritious meals in one- or two-bite portions that they can enjoy without the need for utensils.
About Watermark Retirement Communities®:
Watermark creates extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute and published on Fortune.com. A privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, Watermark manages more than 65 retirement communities coast to coast. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is ranked as the nation’s 10th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information.
