Through a different set of eyes

Virtual Dementia Tour offered at Community Library

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s or other Dementias and cost family caregivers more than $5,000 annually.

To bolster awareness of the disease and enhance Kenosha County’s mission of a more dementia-friendly environment, the Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services is holding its second Virtual Dementia Tour on Oct. 27 at the Salem Community Library from 2 until 4 p.m.

The first was held in March, when staff went through the tour, according to Virtual Dementia Tour Coordinator Patty Collins.

“We starting talking about offering it to the public at the Library after the Library staff went through it,” Collins said. “They found it to be insightful.”

The tour is designed to help families care for some with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.

Dementia, a deterioration of at least two areas of cognitive functioning, diminishes a person’s ability to function normally, according to the Department of Health Services. This is why many seek support from service providers similar to Banfields to support those that can no longer take care of themselves when the disease is in the later stages of its development.

The most common attribute is short-term memory loss and recognizing people, the DHS report said.

Collins, a registered nurse, said the program looks to give families an opportunity to see and feel what those affected by the disease experience.

“The VDT can help increase sensitivity and help us better understand the issues facing both the caregiver and the person experiencing then memory loss or dementia,” Collins said.

Registered participants use a series of tools as they walk through the tour.

The free tour includes temporarily altering physical, sensory and cognitive abilities to simulate changes associated with aging and dementia.

Through the tour, participants complete five tasks, and share reactions after the 30-minute session.

“By walking in their shoes, we can develop a sense of how we, or a loved one may feel,” Collins said.

Registration is required, and accepted until Oct. 26, or when all spots fill up.

“We can offer the Virtual Dementia Tour to 20 people in the two hours,” Collins said.

For more information or to register, call (262) 658-3508.


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