News and Events

2025

Work Study Position available: September 2025 - April 2026!

We are looking for an enrolled undergraduate student to join our team as a Research Assistant, supporting Dr. Savundranayagam with her ongoing research projects in communication caregiving and dementia. The work study position starts September 2025 and runs until April 2026, with the possibilty of continuing into next semester if the student is a good fit.

Application Deadline: September 15 2025.
See the full job description here (Work Study Position Fall 2025). Please review 'Join our team' for application intstructions.

July: Newsletter Release & AAIC 2025 Announcement

Be EPIC-VR is transforming dementia care by enhancing emotion-based, person-centered communication skills among frontline staff—and we are proud to share our progress with you.

📢 We are excited to release our latest newsletter, featuring training outcomes from over 80 healthcare professionals, including insights from managers on the impact of Be EPIC-VR.

📍 We are also heading to AAIC 2025, from July 27 - 31 in Toronto! Visit us at our booth #522 and explore how Be EPIC-VR is shaping the future of dementia care.
👉Download the Newsletter

Spring/Summer Featured: The Caregiver's Journey

We are excited to share that The Caregiver's Journey is featured in Western Alumni Magazine's Spring/Summer 2025 issue 'The issue of aging'.

The article highlights research from our CARE Lab on supporting family caregivers of persons living with dementia. It follows the heartfelt journey of a family caregiver's experience and explores how innovative approaches - like the virutal reality training Be EPIC-VR and personalized in-home support through the McCormick Mobile project - are empowering caregivers through education and self-care.

Read the full story: The Caregiver's Journey.

April/May

Want to experience Be EPIC-VR in action?

Visit us at the AI Showcase during the AdvantAge Ontario – Advancing Senior Care Convention in Toronto!

📍 Sheraton Centre Toronto (123 Queen Street West, Toronto)
🗓️ April 30 | 5–7 PM
🗓️ May 1 | 10 AM–2 PM

Stop by our table 2 (VIDE Foyer) to explore how immersive VR can support dementia care training.

2024

November

Our Director, Dr. Marie Savundranayagam and Dr. Anna Garnett (Nursing) are the research leads on the McCormick Mobile Study.
- McCormick Mobile delivers dementia education at home

July: Newsletter March: Toronto Star Article

Our Director, Dr. Marie Savundranayagam teaches health-care workers to look at the environment surrounding a person with dementia for clues about what they like and don’t like. Click the link to read the full Toronto Star article
- Toronto Star Article: Does someone you love have dementia? Here are some ways you can still connect with them

January