Caring for someone with dementia poses many challenges for families and caregivers. People with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease have a progressive neurological disorder that makes them unable to remember things, make decisions or communicate with others. This condition can also cause mood swings and change the person’s behavior. Many caregivers report they wish they’d gotten better training to deal with these conditions. Care Indeed, a San Francisco, CA-based home care provider, has now launched Virtual Reality Dementia Training for caregivers and community members.
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“We are proud to be the first home care company to invest in a cutting-edge technology that teaches through practical simulation rather than theoretical concepts. Our goal is to empower every caregiver with the knowledge and skills they need as their client’s dementia progresses,” says Dee Bustos, CEO of Care Indeed.
The interactive training sessions, powered by Strivr, are designed to empower caregivers with the knowledge and skills they need to map out the best possible dementia care while also providing caregivers with the skills needed to establish cooperative, caring relationships with dementia clients, says a press release.
The VR training provides many of the same benefits of training in a real environment, but without the accompanying safety risks. The company believes VR training is more memorable than video or text-based learning materials and the experience immerses learners into an environment that is safe, yet realistic.
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Sameem Saadat, a caregiver, said the new virtual reality training simplified his understanding and interactions with dementia patients. “The VR training has by far been the most immersive learning experience for me. It allowed me to interact with dementia clients in virtual reality, a safe alternative to real life,” he said. “I learned from my potential mistakes and poor decisions without compromising the safety or well-being of both myself and the client,” he said.
