DEMENTIA Australia has visited Harbourside Port Stephens to provide care staff with simulation training using virtual reality (VR).
By using this cutting-edge technology along with traditional interactive methods, staff gained deep insights and practical knowledge in a balanced and dynamic learning environment.
The first immersive workshop, “Enabling EDIE”, allowed participants to see the world through the eyes of a person living with dementia.
It also explored enablement strategies to help dementia patients live more confidently.
“D-Esc” was another new workshop.
It teaches aged care workers how to safely respond to a behavioural emergency by recognising the emotional and physical signs of escalation and applying person-centred de-escalation skills.
The “Dine with Ted’ workshop was set in a dining area where a meal was being served.
Participants saw the experience through the eyes of both a care worker and a person called “Ted”, who is living with dementia.
Staff explored how food, the environment and support can greatly influence the care they provide.
It was followed by a problem-solving approach to issues highlighted in the VR simulation.
“Through experiential learning, this training can assist to increase staff empathy, understanding of dementia care environments, and attitudes,” facilitator Christine Dunbar from Dementia Australia said.
“Staff… practice their responses to a behaviour emergency in a controlled and safe simulated environment, to see the outcomes of their decisions in real time.”
Harbourside Port Stephens CEO Paul Fitzpatrick said, “This training is invaluable to all our care staff, not just the Registered Nurses, but to our Personal Care Assistants, and activities and support workers operating in our maintenance, kitchen, laundry and cleaning areas.
“The empathy perspective of learning through the eyes of someone with dementia is incredibly meaningful and can positively change the way we approach our care to those who need it most, our residents.”
The National Dementia Helpline can be reached on 1800 100 500.
It provides expert, free and confidential information, advice and support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
By Simon EKINS
