Four Seasons Now Offering Virtual Dementia Training

The Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) is a patented, ground-breaking, and evidence-based method of building a greater understanding of dementia. 

The VDT simulates the effects of aging and dementia so anyone can personally experience the physical and cognitive challenges of dementia by “walking in their shoes.” This experience results in better person-centered care, which is the heart of Four Seasons’ approach to care. The VDT has been shown to decrease psychoactive medication and acute hospitalization for behavioral incidents. The VDT:

• Has been experienced by more than 2 million people in 20 countries.
• Is evidence-based and studied across cultures and over time with consistent results across variable and outcomes.
• Has been implemented in over 1000 healthcare facilities in the US and abroad.
• Is used in more than 200 colleges and universities as an adjunct to existing curriculum
• Meets and exceeds the federal government mandate that requires additional training for every healthcare entity providing care to those with memory impairments.
• Is used in local communities to help create a dementia-friendly environment.

Mary Jo Powers, Four Seasons Director of Home Care, says, “We are so excited to be able to bring Virtual Dementia Tours to our community. Presently, approximately 10% of adults in the US over the age of 65 are living with dementia. The Virtual Dementia Tour was developed to temporarily alter a caregiver’s physical and sensory abilities in order to be able to better understand the needs of individuals living with dementia, and to become more empathetic and patient in caring for these individuals.”

Powers continued, “We are excited to provide this training to not only our own staff, but also to community groups in our region for free. We are also offering training to other facilities and their staff, including Facilitator Training, through contracting with Second Winds.”

Participants have had an overwhelmingly positive learning experience from VDT:

“This gave me so much more perspective and compassion for people living with dementia. This will help me approach them with more understanding and patience.”

“Experiencing a tiny glimpse of what dementia patients go through day to day will give me more patience with them.”

“I learned to stay with the individual, repeat tasks as needed, make sure the individual feels safe and relaxed, and to speak slowly with a gently tone.”

“This helped me recognize and understand the static pain and confusion that dementia patients deal with daily.”

“Virtual Dementia Training helps caregivers better understand what their patients’ and loved ones’ lives are like. The training helps foster empathy and patience to ensure the best care and quality of life for those living with dementia. We are honored to bring this impactful training to our communities,” says Dr. Ruth Thomson, DO, MBA, HMDC, FAAHPM, FACOI, Four Seasons Chief Medical Officer.

About Four Seasons

Four Seasons, The Care You Trust is a nonprofit Hospice and Palliative Care organization, providing trusted care to western North Carolina since 1979. In addition to Hospice and Palliative Care, Four Seasons also offers Care Navigation, Home Care (in some regions), Grief Services, and support for the caregiver and family.

Contact Four Seasons today to learn more or schedule your training. There is a cost for external healthcare staff training. Call (866) 466-9734, (828) 692-6178, or visit FourSeasonsCFL.org.