The Virtual Dementia Tour temporarily alters participants’ physical and sensory abilities using sensory tools and instruction based on research conducted by P.K. Beville, geriatric specialist and founder of Second Wind Dreams®.
• When used regularly, the Virtual Dementia Tour has been shown to decrease psychoactive medication and acute hospitalization for behavioral incidents.
• The Virtual Dementia Tour offers hope by providing practical ways to provide insight and support.
• More than 3 million people have experienced the Virtual Dementia Tour and it is used in a variety of settings including healthcare, higher education, and the community.
• The Virtual Dementia Tour meets and exceeds federal mandates for additional training for every healthcare entity providing care to people with memory impairments.
Trained facilitators guide participants outfitted with patented devices that alter their senses while they try to complete common everyday tasks and exercises. The Tour enables caregivers to experience for themselves the physical and mental challenges those with dementia face, and use the experience to provide better person-centered care. And here’s another special feature… proceeds from the Virtual Dementia Tour are used to fulfill the mission of Second Wind Dreams to make dreams come true for elders who live in long-term care.
Participants Feedback
"This opportunity is an impactful reminder and tool for those caring for people with dementia"
-Cayla K.
"This experience opened my eyes and my heart to understand the challenges of living with dementia. I am coming away with greater sense of empathy and compassion. Thank you for offering it."
-Amy W.
"It was a heart-breaking experience. I had no idea what he was suffering daily. I only knew 'memory loss'! He died in his late 50's from dementia."
-Debra G.
"This should be required training for everyone who deals with dementia."
-Carly C.
"I've been around this for 15 years, and for the first time I was able to experience how a person with dementia feels...isolated, frustrated and forlorned!"
-Jeanne B.
"This was an extraordinary experience. Though as a nurse, I had worked with many patients with dementia; there is nothing compared to actually experiencing some of what they live everyday!"
-Nadine S.
Launch Event
Thank You!!! Volunteer Tour Guides make VDT events successful.
Virtual Dementia Tour in the News
