Re-launch of Virtual Dementia Tour® to Provide an Interactive Experience for All
ATLANTA, July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Second Wind Dreams® (SWD®) announces the re-launch of its Family Edition of the Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT®). This scientifically proven method builds sensitivity and awareness in individuals by temporarily altering participants' physical and sensory abilities with props and circumstances, which simulate changes associated with the physical and cognitive impairments of aging.
Founder of Second Wind Dreams and inventor of the Virtual Dementia Tour, P.K. Beville, M.S., knows the impact VDT has on families and their loved ones living with dementia. "The VDT allows the family a learning opportunity by giving them the chance to walk in the shoes of the person they love. Without experiencing the VDT, families may find themselves making decisions about treatment approaches that could be detrimental," she says.
The Family Edition is one of three editions of the Virtual Dementia Tour, which also includes the Group Edition. Thousands of healthcare providers including hospitals and long-term care communities have embraced the Group Edition to provide this training program to millions of people worldwide. Now, SWD has revamped the Family Edition to be more user friendly by lessening the clinical approach and implementing more practical approaches to dementia care. The Family Edition also includes a Family Guide used post tour to provide strategies for empathetic care based on the families newly discovered knowledge gleaned from the VDT experience.
Effects of the Virtual Dementia Tour
After being garbed in VDT components, participants are placed in a "normal" living situation and asked to perform simple tasks. Within seconds of receiving instruction, the participants experience and react with evident, dementia-like behaviors. These behaviors include repetitive actions, verbal abuse, refusal to follow directions, rummaging and sub-vocalizations, negative self-statements and withdrawal. The experience allows participants to clearly see causes for depression and withdrawal in the elderly.
About Second Wind Dreams®
Second Wind Dreams is an international, nonprofit organization founded in 1997. This organization is changing the perception of aging through the fulfillment of dreams and educational programs including its flagship program, The Virtual Dementia Tour®. The Atlanta-based organization has fulfilled more than 10,000 dreams with help from its sponsors: Senior Helpers, Caesars Foundation, Alzheimer's Foundation of America and UK-based Training 2 Care.
For more information about Second Wind Dreams visit: www.secondwind.org,www.Facebook.com/SecondWindDreams or Twitter: @SecondWindDream
For more information, contact:
Kelli Bennett
Phone: (678)-624-0500
[email protected]
SOURCE Second Wind Dreams
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