Stepping into Their World: The Power of the Virtual Dementia Tour

At the heart of JGS Lifecare’s success lies a unique training program: the Virtual Dementia Tour. Every employee, from clinicians to support staff, participates in this immersive experience within their first two days of employment. The tour utilizes specialized goggles, headphones, and gloves to simulate the sensory and physical challenges faced by individuals living with dementia – blurred vision, distorted hearing, limited dexterity, and feelings of confusion and anxiety.

“We put our staff in the shoes of someone who has dementia,” explains Dalila Jones, Life Enrichment director at JGS Lifecare. “It’s a crash course into what it feels like to be out of control. It allows us to reach the heart of what it’s like and then give them the compassion and empathy they wouldn’t receive if they didn’t go through the experience.” The impact is profound; staff members often become emotional during the eight-minute simulation, gaining a visceral understanding of the daily struggles faced by those with cognitive impairment.

Beth Cardillo, a geriatric social worker at the Leavitt Family Jewish Home, a skilled nursing facility within the JGS Lifecare network, emphasizes a crucial takeaway from the tour: slowing down. “It takes 90 seconds for somebody with Alzheimer’s to process what you say to them,” she notes. “Normally, we talk so fast and we’re so busy and really haven’t learned to slow it down. And it just makes a huge difference.”

“It takes 90 seconds for somebody with Alzheimer’s to process what you say to them. Normally, we talk so fast and we’re so busy and really haven’t learned to slow it down. And it just makes a huge difference.”

Jones measures the success of the training by the emotional response it evokes. “You’ve got to touch the heart,” she says. “Dementia breaks hearts, and in order for us to care properly, we have to have a broken heart for them.” This emphasis on emotional connection extends to the staff’s ongoing professional development, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and self-reflection.

This commitment to empathy isn’t limited to those with formal training. Staff consistently report a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to enhance their skills after participating in the Virtual Dementia Tour. What does it say about the power of experiential learning in healthcare, and how can other organizations replicate this success?

A Continuum of Care: Memory Support Across the Spectrum

JGS Lifecare’s commitment to memory care extends far beyond its dedicated dementia neighborhood, The Garden, located within the Ruth’s House assisted living facility. The organization has integrated specialized training across its entire continuum of services, including Legacy Lifecare VNA & Hospice, Wernick Adult Day Health Care, and the Sosin Center for Rehabilitation. This holistic approach ensures that individuals with varying levels of cognitive impairment receive consistent, high-quality care regardless of their setting.

This model is increasingly vital as the population ages and the prevalence of dementia rises. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s disease, a number projected to reach nearly 13 million by 2050. Furthermore, there’s a growing trend of early-onset dementia, impacting younger individuals and families.

The Garden at Ruth’s House provides a secure and supportive environment for individuals with increased cognitive and physical limitations. However, the overarching philosophy at JGS Lifecare is to “meet people where they are,” as Mary-Anne Schelb, regional director of Business Development, puts it. This means adapting to the individual’s needs and preferences, rather than expecting them to conform to a rigid routine.

Understanding the emotional toll on families is also paramount. Cardillo works closely with families to navigate the difficult transition of placing a loved one in residential care. “People just feel an incredible amount of guilt,” she acknowledges. “But at some point, things change. You just can’t do it.” The organization emphasizes a habilitation model, prioritizing resident well-being and avoiding conflict, even if it means embracing a resident’s altered perception of reality. “Do I care if someone thinks it’s Friday, and it’s Tuesday? No,” Cardillo states. “Whatever he thinks, unless it’s safety, I don’t care.”

JGS Lifecare is also embracing technology to enhance the quality of life for residents. Virtual reality experiences, facilitated by staff, allow individuals to “walk through an ocean” or explore distant lands, providing stimulating and engaging activities. The Garden also features a sensory room with a high-definition projector displaying soothing scenes, offering a calming space for relaxation and de-escalation.

The organization’s commitment to person-centered care extends to creating detailed resident profiles, capturing each individual’s life story, interests, and hobbies. This information allows staff to personalize care and foster meaningful connections. One resident, Johnny Scalia, affectionately known as “Johnny Rocket,” continues to share his passion for music as a DJ, bringing joy to residents and families across the JGS Lifecare campus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Memory Care at JGS Lifecare

• What is the Virtual Dementia Tour, and how does it benefit residents? The Virtual Dementia Tour is an immersive training experience for staff that simulates the physical and sensory challenges of dementia, fostering empathy and improving the quality of care.
• How does JGS Lifecare address the guilt families often feel when transitioning a loved one to residential memory care? JGS Lifecare provides compassionate support and education to families, helping them understand that placing a loved one in care is often the best way to ensure their safety and well-being.
• What is the “habilitation model” of care used at JGS Lifecare? The habilitation model prioritizes the resident’s well-being and avoids conflict, allowing residents to maintain their sense of self and dignity, even if their perception of reality differs from others.
• What role does technology play in enhancing the lives of residents at JGS Lifecare? JGS Lifecare utilizes technology such as virtual reality to provide stimulating and engaging experiences, improving quality of life and promoting emotional well-being.
• How does JGS Lifecare ensure consistent memory care across its various facilities? JGS Lifecare integrates specialized memory care training throughout its entire continuum of services, ensuring that all staff members are equipped to support individuals with cognitive impairment.