Article by Lauren Elcesser, ElderLink
(Posted 2024 August)
Older adults experience challenges and frustrations that can be difficult to understand, even if you work with older people, or are a caregiver, family member, neighbor, or friend. Hoping to change that, a new training series is being offered and facilitated by ElderLink, a partnership program between the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging and Inova. Called Exploring the Dimensions of Aging through Virtual Reality, this initiative allows participants to “see through the eyes” of older adults to better understand what it is like for them to encounter various challenges in daily life.
The free 75-minute facilitated virtual sessions are held via Microsoft Teams and utilize virtual reality simulations developed by Embodied Labs to highlight challenges commonly faced by older adults. Topics include how social isolation impacts an older adult, learning about the early signs and progression of Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, how to navigate caregiver burnout, how to support someone with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), de-escalation techniques and more.
Elder Safety & Well-Being
The Elder Safety & Well-Being Lab was created to benefit caregivers of older adults, whether they are professionals, family, friends, or neighbors. The lab will also benefit those interested in learning more about how to support the needs of an older adult. Through the Elder Safety & Well-Being Lab, participants embody three unique virtual reality experiences – Caregiver Burnout, Intervention and De-escalation, and Trauma Informed Care (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Module 1: Caregiver Burnout
Hazel, a vibrant 75-year-old, moved in with her daughter, Cathy, about six months ago. Cathy began noticing some changes in Hazel’s condition, but Hazel seems unaware of any deficits. This lab helps participants learn more about caregiver burnout by evaluating Cathy’s experience with caring for her mom.
Module 2: Intervention and De-escalation
Heloise is in her mid-70s and has mid-stage Alzheimer’s. She has high anxiety and language deficits due to progressive aphasia. She often refuses care and believes she is neat and clean even when she is not. Heloise startles easily and “freezes” when she is afraid. Her triggers include loud noises, people invading her personal space, and raised voices.
Module 3: Trauma Informed Care (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Harold, a retired soldier, lives with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in a trauma-informed community. His PTSD triggers include people screaming/crying, loud banging noises, crowded/congested areas, the smell of rice cooking, and fireworks. Harold is proud to have served but embarrassed and private about his PTSD. He is frustrated that he’s still affected after all these years.
Elder Safety & Well-Being Lab attendees are requested to complete a brief electronic pre & post survey so ElderLink can best evaluate the program’s impact. Recent participants were asked to respond to questions before and after completing the lab. Some of their responses are as follows:
“How confident do you feel confronting a co-worker or family member about their potentially abusive behavior?”
- On a scale from 1-10 where 1 = “Not at all confident” and 10 = “Extremely confident,” the average pre-survey response was 5.4 and the average post-survey response was 8.5.
- Pre to post survey results indicate a 29% increase in confidence in confronting a co-worker or family member about their potentially abusive behavior.
“What is your level of comfort supporting an individual with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?”
- On a scale from 1-10 where 1 = “Not at all confident” and 10 = “Extremely confident,” the average pre-survey response was 4.3 and the average post-survey response was 6.8.
- Pre to post survey results indicate a 37% increase in comfort level supporting an individual with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“After completing this lab, I feel better equipped to identify and prevent distressing situations.”
- On a scale from 1-10 where 1 = “I don’t feel better equipped” and 10 = “I do feel better equipped,” participants average response was an 8.3.
- These responses indicate a high degree of confidence with participant’s comfort supporting older adults with identifying and preventing distressing situations in the future.
“After completing this lab, I feel better equipped to use creative solutions to manage/avoid incidents or errors.”
- On a scale from 1-10 where 1 = “I don’t feel better equipped” and 10 = “I do feel better equipped,” participants average response was an 8.5.
- These responses indicate a high degree of confidence with participant’s ability to use creative solutions to manage/avoid incidents or errors when providing care to older adults in the future.
Post survey responses to the question “What is one strategy you can use to reduce the risk of caregiver burnout for yourself or someone you know?” include:
- Ask for help.
- Letting people know that they are not alone and that there are resources out there to help.
- Daily activity balance.
- Find out how to get help.
The Elder Safety & Well-Being Lab has been provided to human service workers, family caregivers, community members with a vested interest in the needs of older adults, and professionals who work with older adults including medical professionals. One hundred percent of participants report feeling satisfied with their experience with Exploring the Dimensions of Aging through Virtual Reality: The Elder Safety & Well-Being Lab. One hundred percent of participants also report that they are likely to recommend Exploring the Dimensions of Aging through Virtual Reality: The Elder Safety & Well-Being Lab based on their experience.
A recent participant shared this feedback regarding how the lab made a positive impact on them, saying, “I think it's great to be able to select different alternatives in terms of how we might deal with certain situations so that when we are doing the work face-to-face, we can be a better support.”
Register online for Exploring Dimensions of Aging Labs at tinyurl.com/exploring-aging. To inquire about a private training session for a community organization, please contact Deme Warner, 703-237-6027, Demetra.Warner@FairfaxCounty.gov.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).