Virtual Dementia Tour for Care Providers and Family Caregivers
Morningside Ministries will host a Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) for caregivers of older adults with short-term memory loss or dementia on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at the Kronkowsky Rainbow Senior Center in Boerne (17 Old San Antonio Road, Boerne, Texas 78006) from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The tour simulates what life is like for those living with dementia.
During the experience, windows to the room are tinted and special gloves are placed on participants to replicate general numbness similar to what is experienced in old age. A strobe light in combination with scratched glasses simulates deteriorating vision. During the tour, participants are asked to accomplish ‘simple’ daily tasks that someone living at home would need to, such as folding clothes or writing a letter.
Today, one in three seniors die with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.With America’s increasing population of seniors, more and more family members are caring for loved ones who struggle with this debilitating condition. Projections suggest that adults ages 65+ in Texas will number over 9.3 million by 2050, according to the Texas State Data Center. If trends continue, that means that dementia will affect over 2 million older adults.
Out of this growing need, Morningside Ministries decided to organize a VDT® for family members in Boerne. Many family caregivers do not know where to turn for guidance or resources. Through this VDT®, Morningside Ministries will not only provide an opportunity for caregivers to walk in their loved ones shoes, but they will also offer resources and help answer any questions at the end of the tour. The VDT® is free and open to the public. The Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT®) was created by P.K. Beville of Second Wind Dreams and is presented by mmLearn.org to give caregivers and family members’ insight into what life is like for someone struggling with the disease.
