Interactive simulation sheds light on daily challenges of dementia

SALISBURY, Md. — Visiting Angels, a local home care and living assistance service, is offering a free community simulation designed to put participants in the shoes of someone living with early-onset dementia.

It can be challenging when loved ones can no longer do the things they once could. An interactive dementia simulation that mimics some of the obstacles people with dementia face aims to give the community a better understanding of those challenges.

The simulation begins by placing cotton balls in participants’ ears to dull their senses.

Journey Smith, director of community development at Visiting Angels, said participants are given glasses rubbed with Vaseline to blur their vision. They also wear socks with rocks inside to simulate a loss of dexterity.

The group then gives participants a list of tasks designed for new hires and family members to experience. Those tasks include filling a pillbox while wearing gloves, writing a grocery list and stacking cups with one hand.

The activities are designed to engage multiple senses and demonstrate how everyday tasks can become difficult.

“It’s hard for them to understand what they’re doing. So we make them play some games, like getting as many noodles as they can on straws,” Smith said.

Smith said many people understand that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can cause memory loss, but they may not realize the extent of the condition’s effects.

“Memory loss isn’t just the loss of your memories of the past, but you also start forgetting how to do things. You forget the words of things. And it makes it really hard to be able to care for yourself when you don’t remember the steps that it takes to just get dressed,” Smith said.

She said people may not realize how much independence can be lost or how frustrating it can be for someone who can no longer move or act the way they once did.

The simulation also highlights the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in the community.

Smith said Maryland has ranked among the states with the highest Alzheimer’s diagnosis rates in recent years.

The next interactive dementia simulation is taking place Saturday, August 22nd from 10:30 to 12.