Virtual Dementia Tour ® Your Window into their World

BY JANINE HAMMOND, DIRECTOR OF COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

One of the greatest gifts we can give to another person is the gift of understanding. Understanding another person’s experience and showing empathy builds connections and trust and strengthens relationships. Feeling understood is a foundation of psychological safety and plays a role in helping us manage our emotions. When trying to understand what another person is experiencing, we can usually draw on a comparable situation in our life to help make a connection. When caring for a loved one living with dementia, understanding their day-to-day experience and challenges they face requires more creative methods. Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT) is an evidence-based dementia simulation training designed to help make that understanding possible.

VDT uses trained facilitators, patented sensory tools, and instruction based on research. VDT enables caregivers to experience for themselves the challenges someone living with dementia faces and build a greater understanding of dementia. Caregivers who have experienced VDT report an increased sensitivity to and awareness of the challenges faced by their loved ones.

This training is a wonderful opportunity for caregivers and friends of someone living with dementia to help you understand your loved one’s experience. We invite you to sign up to experience the Virtual Dementia Tour® on Wednesday, April 12. Space is limited, and a reservation is necessary to attend. Call Janine Hammond, Director of Cognitive and Behavioral Health at (239) 454-2186 to reserve your spot. Important note: this experience is not appropriate for someone with a dementia diagnosis or someone experiencing memory challenges.