Anyone interested in gaining a greater understanding of the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias on those living with the disease is invited to participate in a sensitivity training session offered by Thrive Alliance, the Area 11 Agency on Aging.
The session will feature the internationally known and time-tested Virtual Dementia Tour, an evidence-based program simulating changes associated with cognitive decline. The VDT builds sensitivity and awareness in individuals caring for those with dementia by temporarily altering participants’ physical and sensory abilities. It builds a greater understanding of dementia through experiential learning and post-tour instruction.
Tours last approximately 30 minutes and can be arranged by contact Sue Lamborn with Thrive Alliance at 812-372-6918. Those are available to people in Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson and Jennings counties.
The Virtual Dementia Tour helps people caring for those with dementia provide better care and offers hope to caregivers and provides tips and tools necessary to create an environment that supports the needs of those with the disease.
More than 3 million people from elder care communities, corporations, houses of worship, community groups and nonprofit organizations, including caregivers, first responders, health care providers and municipal employees, have experienced the Virtual Dementia Tour.
“So many of them have found the experience to be eye-opening, moving and life-changing,” said PK Beville, creator of the Virtual Dementia Tour and founder of Second Wind Dreams. “We’re proud to be part of the movement toward providing true person-centered care to some of the most vulnerable members of our society. The insight provided by the VDT changes the way caregivers interact and relate to those living with dementia … and the bottom line is better care and better outcomes.”
Second Wind Dreams is an internationally known nonprofit organization changing the perception of aging through the fulfillment of dreams and by offering educational programs that help caregivers understand the physical and mental challenges facing those with dementia.
Founded in 1997 by Beville, an award-winning geriatric specialist, the Atlanta, Georgia-based organization is recognized as the first in the nation to focus on enhancing the quality of life for elders and changing society’s perception of seniors by making dreams come true.
Affiliated with thousands of elder care communities across the country, Second Wind Dreams has made tens of thousands of dreams come true for older adults. Its educational program, the Virtual Dementia Tour, is a scientifically proven method of training designed to build sensitivity and awareness in individuals caring for those with dementia.
For information on Second Wind Dreams or the Virtual Dementia Tour, contact Melora Jackson, director of clinical services, at 470-242-0358 or [email protected].