Politics & Government
County Agency Offers Virtual Dementia Tours
The tour gives insight into the challenges faced by those suffering from dementia and other infirmities that often accompany aging.
Area residents can soon take a virtual walk in the shoes of a person suffering from dementia thanks to theΒ
The department has partnered with the National Family Caregiver Support Program toΒ put together five Virtual Dementia Tours being held across the county in September and October.
One of the tours will take place at in Severna Park.
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Agency spokeswoman MaryΒ FelterΒ said the tours will allow family and caregivers to get a glimpse into the physical and mental challenges faced by people with dementia.
"The people who are going to participate are put in a room where we dress them with special gloves, shoes and some sort of head gear,"Β FelterΒ said.
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Each item limits mobility and impairs some of a person's senses.
"You are then personally led into a room and givenΒ instructionsΒ like 'fold a towel' or 'put on a shirt,'"Β FelterΒ said. "A lot of people can't hear anything at all. One woman I saw try the tour was just frozen in place unsure of what to do."
She said the tour shows caregivers how difficult and confusing everyday tasks can be for people suffering fromΒ arthritis, glaucoma andΒ Alzheimerβs.
According to a press release from the department, there are approximately more than 5.4 million Americans 65 or older suffering from Alzheimerβs disease. Dementia is often the diagnosis for people suffering from cognitive impairmentsβthe largest category under dementia is Alzheimerβs disease.Β
FelterΒ said that after the tour "most people are like 'thank God, now I know what I'm dealing with.'"
Registration for the five tours begins July 23Β ο»ΏonlineΒ and by telephone atΒ 410-222-4464, Ext. 3043.Β FelterΒ said space is limited.
"It's like anything else, you walk a mile inΒ somebodyβsΒ shoes you understand them better,"Β FelterΒ said.Β
Virtual Dementia Tour dates, times and locations:
Β β’ Sept. 6, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.,Β SunriseΒ Senior Living,Β 43 W.Β McKinseyΒ Rd.,Β Severna Park.
β’ Sept. 20, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.,Β SomerfordΒ Place,Β 2717 Riva Rd.,Β Annapolis. Free on-site care will be available.
β’ Sept. 25, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.,Β FairfieldΒ Nursing andΒ RehabilitationΒ Center, 1454Β Fairfield Loop,Β Crownsville.
β’ Sept. 26, 10 a.m.- noon and 6:30-8:30 p.m.,Β BrightviewΒ South River,Β 8 LeeΒ AirparkΒ Dr.,Β Edgewater.
β’ Oct. 3, 6:30 -Β 8:30 p.m.,Β MorningsideΒ House of Friendship Assisted Living and Dementia Care, 7548 Old Telegraph Rd.,Β Hanover.