Discover the realities of living with dementia
Thursday, July 11, 7:00 p.m.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s
disease have been identified as one of the most significant healthcare issues
facing our nation. Alzheimer’s is an
emotional journey. It can be difficult
to fully comprehend the challenges that a loved one battles every day, but the
virtual dementia tour can help. Taking participants from the beginning to late
stages of the disease process, this experience helps one discover the
overwhelming effects of trying to perform everyday tasks for a person living
with memory loss. Come to Crowell Library on Thursday, July 11 and experience this
eye-opening tour that encompasses tasks and exercises essential for professionals
and caregivers.
The virtual dementia tour is
a scientifically proven method of training designed to build sensitivity and
awareness in individuals caring for those with dementia. The VDT combines scholarly resources with a
patented simulation toolkit that enables caregivers to experience for
themselves the physical and mental challenges facing those with dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease. The National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s
Association project that between 12 and 16 million people will suffer from
dementia by the year 2050. There is no cure and symptom management is minimal
at best. This fact makes it crucial for everyone to take responsibility for the
management of dementia. As more and more people are diagnosed with dementia, and
a greater percentage of the that population chooses to remain at home, greater
challenges will face families as well as law enforcement, community groups and
businesses to understand and react properly to those with dementia. When dementia strikes, it strikes the whole
community, not just the individual.
Zoila
Castellanos has
over 15 years of experience
in the healthcare field. She started her career as a CNA where she found her
passion in eldercare. She then decided to pursue higher education and completed
her LVN program. Zoila has experience in both assisted living and memory care. She has partnered with the City of San Marino to create a dementia
friendly community,
and is committed to change
the world in how people with dementia are treated. The Virtual Dementia Tour is
another step toward that
mission, providing a model for other cities to follow.
