Cardinal Court and Greenfield Estates have introduced Dementia Live to help others understand how people with dementia navigate
By Beth Newcomb
This is the ultimate empathy training,” says Holly Soresso, community resource director for Cardinal Court, referencing the newest addition to the JEA Senior Living company’s menu of specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia resources available to the communities serviced by its Cardinal Court (Strongsville area) and Greenfield Estates (Copley area) care communities.
Cardinal Court and Greenfield Estates are area leaders in supporting people with Alzheimer’s and dementia navigate through each stage of progression. And to help family members and staff members connect more intimately with the diseases, JEA recently launched Dementia Live.
“It’s a simulator that puts participants in the shoes of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” notes Tiffany Farner, community resource director for Greenfield Estates.
Dementia Live is essentially a sensory room with wearable gear. Participants are garbed in goggles, gloves and earphones, then instructed to perform real-world tasks like sitting at a table to eat.
“For example, goggles narrow the field of vision, so a participant understands why a person with dementia might reach across the table for food,” Holly explains. “Or a caregiver might better understand that when he or she walks up behind a person with dementia, instead of approaching from the side to touch them, that person becomes startled and is less likely to respond positively.”
“It helps to prepare caregivers for more positive social interactions,” inserts Tiffany.
“Earphones demonstrate how the brain struggles to focus on one person talking, because for a person with dementia, sounds cannot be filtered,” she adds.
Participants wear gloves to better understand how dexterity is affected. And with all of the struggles a person navigating dementia on a day-to-day basis experiences combined, participants often become emotional once they leave the Dementia Live room.
“We sit with them quietly after they leave the simulator and ask them to reflect on their feelings,” Holly says. “It’s really life-changing.”
All new staff members will take part in the experience room, but JEA isn’t limiting the simulation to employees alone. “Anyone in the community who would like to get a better understanding of how dementia affects a loved one is welcome to participate in our Dementia Live experience room any time, for free. Just give us a call.”
And no matter where you or a loved one exist on the dementia or Alzheimer’s spectrum, Holly and Tiffany say they are always available to offer support—at no charge and with no obligation.
“We serve as a resource to those who need help understanding a new diagnosis, need support during the stages of the disease, and need help determining when or if it’s time for care outside of the home,” says Tiffany
“When a loved one receives the diagnosis that he or she has Alzheimer’s or dementia, it can be overwhelming to the family,” Holly relates. “There are a lot of questions that need to be answered. Our focus is to offer support when needed. It could be years before a loved one is ready for care in one of our communities. How do you navigate in the meantime? That’s where we come in. People can visit either of our locations as the need presents itself, without an appointment, and get guidance.”
Cardinal Court and Greenfield Estates are designed to resemble the interior of a warm and inviting home. Life stations dot the hallways to help connect residents to the past. Before a new resident establishes him or herself Holly or Tiffany and their teams interview the family to find out what kind of life the person has lived, then his or her story is incorporated into a care plan.
If you do notice changes that could point to Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important to be respectful and considerate. Be a good listener, do your due diligence when considering a care facility, tap into the resources available to you at Cardinal Court and Greenfield Estates, and remember to put your loved one’s needs ahead of your own.
To take a tour of Cardinal Court or Greenfield Estates Alzheimer’s Special Care Centers and experience the difference these communities can make in the life of someone you love, call 440-268-9180 and ask for Holly Soresso at Cardinal Court, 18719 Drake Road, in Strongsville, or Tiffany Farner at Greenfield Estates, 3522 Commercial Drive, in Copley, 330-664-1650. The web address is JEASeniorLiving.com.