Book A Visit
Connect with a Lifestyle Leasing ConsultantHealth & Wellness | August 5, 2022
Virtual Dementia Tour
Virtual Dementia Tour
What is dementia?
According to the CDC, dementia is a term for the decline in the ability to remember, think, or make decisions. While slower processing skills and difficulty multi-tasking are normal parts of the aging process, dementia itself is not. As well, dementia can cause difficulties with more than just memory, including attention span, visual perception, communication, and task execution. When assisting a person with dementia, it is common for frustration between the resident and the caretaker to occur, but it is important to always act with empathy and respect.
Dementia as a Resource
On July 21st, 2022, employees in every department at Trico LivingWell took part in Second Wind Dreams’ Virtual Dementia Tour, meant to help staff understand the difficulties experienced by a person with dementia. The simulation allows employees an eye-opening opportunity to fully understand what residents with dementia are experiencing as they go about their day-to-day lives. The goal is to inspire empathy in employees interacting with residents and to reduce frustration and tension between staff and residents.
Especially critical to the simulation was ensuring that each and every staff member, regardless of department, participated in the activity. At Trico LivingWell, all staff members will undergo training to properly interact with and understand residents with dementia, extending beyond healthcare aides to encompass the seven dimensions of wellness.
Reactions to the Simulation
Many staff members were nervous to partake in the simulation, unsure of what it would feel like and fearing the loss of control and loss of fine motor skills that they would experience. Other staff members were thinking of family members with dementia, nervous and overwhelmed to confront the difficulties that their loved ones had experienced. After completing the simulation, many staff members were reflective, taking time to settle down after the insightful activity.
“I am so glad I got to participate and experience this simulation,” one staff member said. “Anyone who has a loved one with dementia could benefit from learning and experiencing exactly what their loved one is going through.”
Care at Trico LivingWell
Trico LivingWell recognizes the benefits of ongoing training and education sessions to deliver the highest level of quality care to our residents. By expanding our ways of thinking beyond just the needs of the resident, Trico LivingWell’s unique care philosophy will focus on building and nurturing these relationships. Our Personalized Wellness Care Plans are developed in collaboration with our residents, their family and friends, and their care partners, to address the resident’s needs, preferences, and level of assistance required to help support them in remaining independent for as long as possible. With this approach, we create an enhanced care experience where everyone is informed and respected in the decision-making process.
