“Walk with Me” during the Virtual Dementia Tour
Walking in the shoes of someone with dementia will change your entire perspective of what it is like for the person who is undergoing the daily changes affecting his or her senses and capabilities. Residences Senior Living is pleased to share with the greater northwest Indiana communities one of the best educational modules we have used so successfully with training our team members.
The Virtual Dementia Tour experience, produced with much research, by Second Wind Dreams, an international nonprofit organization is truly an unforgettable experience. The in-person tour takes about 20 minutes and is an individual experience that simulates the effects of aging and dementia. The Tour gives families and caregivers an opportunity to truly “walk in their shoes.” and gain deeper empathy for those with dementia and for those undergoing the aging process in general.
Our team members found that the Virtual Dementia Tour is indeed a life-changing experience. We received a better understanding of the physical and mental challenges faced by those living with dementia. It has helped us understand just what the Tour producers at Second Wind Dreams® said the experience would help us gain—what person-centered care actually entails.
Kaitlynn Redmon, Residences at Coffee Creek Executive Director, is most impressed by the Tour’s ability to demonstrate in a lasting way the different behaviors to be expected with someone who has dementia. “We have learned better ways to handle situations, to be able to be proactive and anticipate reactions among our Memory Care residents. This training has been invaluable. Because you experience the sensations, you are better able to recall what it feels like when someone is going through a confusing time,” she notes. “This helps us build better relationships with our residents, which is certainly at the heart of true patient-centered care,” she emphasizes. “Our residents’ quality of life improves and our caregivers benefit from a reduced number of challenging situations. We believe that making a connection, person by person, makes all the difference.”
In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21, we would like to share the opportunity we’ve had with caregivers throughout our communities. What better tribute to the courage of those who live with dementia than to immerse ourselves in the world of our loved ones. Experience the Virtual Dementia Tour! Your first opportunity to share this experience is at Residences at Coffee Creek in Chesterton, IN on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Space is limited, to reserve your seat, RSVP by Monday September 20 online ResidencesSeniorLiving.com/Events or call (219) 921-5200. If you aren’t able to make this Virtual Dementia Tour opportunity, be on the lookout for more upcoming opportunities at Residences at Coffee Creek and Residences at Deer Creek.