To help family caregivers understand the physical and mental challenges of those with dementia, the National Family Caregiver Support Program at the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities has scheduled a Virtual Dementia Tours® Education Program on June 20, 2013 (6:30 p.m.) at the Arnold Senior Activity Center, 44 Church Road, Arnold, MD. On-line and telephone registration begins May 10th and space is limited.
The Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT) is a scientifically proven method designed to build sensitivity and awareness in individuals caring for those with dementia. It is a dementia simulation tool created to assist anyone in understanding the condition.
There are approximately 35 million Americans age 65 and older, and more than 5.4 million suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is the overriding diagnosis for cognitive impairments – the largest category under dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.
Comments from those who have taken the tour include the following:
- “No training is anything like it. It truly allowed us to walk in someone else’s shoes. I benefited from the experience and know it will impact how I respond to those with dementia.”
- “Wow! What a great learning tool! If I had dementia, I would want to be around people who not only understand it, but who care enough to protect me from harm’s way.”
- “Thank you for the opportunity to experience the obstacles confronting a person with dementia. (It was) so much different than reading about it or even observing it first hand.”
The VDT will be facilitated by Mary Chaput of the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities, and Mary Fridley, registered nurse and founder of Gero-Resources, LLC. To register, call 410-222-4464, ext. 3043, or go online at www.aacounty.org/aging.
