Article by Lauren Elcesser, ElderLink
(Posted 2024 October)
It’s not always easy for people to understand the challenges and frustrations of older adults, even when they work with them, or are a caregiver, close family member, or friend. However, a new training series has been created to address this issue. Exploring the Dimensions of Aging through Virtual Reality, offered and facilitated by ElderLink, a partnership program between the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging and Inova, allows participants to “see through the eyes” of older adults to better understand what it is like for them while they encounter daily challenges.
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, how to navigate caregiver burnout, how to support someone with PTSD, de-escalation techniques and more.
The Dima Lab | Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia
The Dima Lab allows participants to embody Dima, a Lebanese American immigrant living with symptoms of both Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia, as she transitions from life at home to a residential community. Through this experience, participants learn to identify the differing symptoms of these two conditions and how to manage care as symptoms evolve.
Module 1: A Changing Brain & Body: How Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia & Parkinson’s Disease Affect Daily Life
- Early warning signs.
- Strategies to support older adults experiencing visual disturbances and difficulty with motor functions.
- The differences between Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia.
Module 2: Progression of Lewy Body Dementia
- The importance of routine and consistency for people living with Lewy Body Dementia.
- Strategies to promote independence and preserve dignity.
- How to proactively manage the older adult’s environment to reduce over stimulation.
Module 3: Transitioning to a Care Facility
- Providing culturally competent care by prioritizing elder preferences and honoring dietary restrictions.
- Supporting families through the transition process by communicating effectively with family members and older adults to build relationships and provide reassurance.
- Identifying situations which may cause over-stimulation and support older adults in preserving dignity.
The Dima Lab | Participant Experience Data
Participants were asked to respond to statements before and after experiencing The Dima Lab to gauge its effectiveness. Some of the statements included:
I am confident in my ability to help a person expressing agitation, stress, combativeness, hallucination, or sensory overload as a result of their progressing dementia and/or Parkinson's disease.
- After completing the Dima Lab, participants experienced a 32% increase in confidence in their ability to manage challenging behaviors related to Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
I feel confident that I am able to positively affect the quality of life of a resident, client, or loved one experiencing the later stages of Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
- After completing the Dima Lab, participants experienced a 27% increase in confidence in their ability to positively impact the quality of life of someone experiencing symptoms of later stage Lewy Body Dementia or Parkinson's Disease.
The Dima 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 The Dima Lab and report that they are likely or very likely to recommend The Dima Lab based on their experience.
Recent participants shared feedback regarding how the Dimensions of Aging through Virtual Reality: The Dima Lab made a positive impact on them:
- “Literally seeing the problems through the eyes of the person experiencing symptoms was highly effective!”
- “I learned more about LBD and how to care for elders!”
- “I experienced what the person with dementia would experience and become more understanding about their behavior.”
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).