Virtual Dementia Tour: Experiencing Dementia to Improve Dementia Care

Understanding Dementia and Its Challenges

We aren’t strangers to dementia. According to the National Institutes of Health, 42% of adults ages 55 and older will develop dementia. Yet many people feel lost when it comes to helping those who suffer with dementia. This is often because we are unfamiliar with how to provide effective dementia care.

We’re often told many things about dementia and those affected by it: “It’s disorienting.” “It’s scary.” “They don’t realize what they’re doing.” While these statements provide some insight, they don’t give caregivers the full picture. Dementia is complex, and descriptions alone rarely help caregivers understand how to approach daily interactions, anticipate challenges, or improve their care approach.

Through this unique caregiver training caregivers can take a deeper dive into furthering their understanding of dementia.

Why Caregivers Need Support

Caring for someone with dementia comes with unique challenges. Individuals living with dementia may struggle to express their thoughts, feelings, or needs, leaving caregivers feeling unsure about what they can do to help. Often times, in dementia care, family or caregivers may become overwhelmed and find themselves asking, “How do I help them?”

Proper caregiver training is essential. It equips family members and professionals with practical strategies to manage difficult situations, communicate effectively, and respond to behavioral changes with patience and compassion. With the right skills and support, caregivers can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with dementia.

Walking in Their Shoes: The Virtual Dementia Tour

The Virtual Dementia Tour allows participants to literally walk in the shoes of someone living with dementia. This immersive, hands-on experience highlights the daily challenges these individuals face, even with seemingly simple tasks. Dressing, preparing meals, managing personal items, or navigating unfamiliar spaces can feel confusing or overwhelming for someone with dementia.

Experiencing these challenges firsthand through this tour helps caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals gain invaluable insight. It encourages a more empathetic, patient-centered approach to care and reinforces best practices in dementia care.

What the Virtual Dementia Tour Looks Like

We bring the Virtual Dementia Tour to your office or preferred space, complete with all the equipment needed for an immersive experience. The setup includes at least three areas: one for preparation, one for completing tasks, and one for returning all items from tour.

A guided debrief always follows the tour, and its importance cannot be overstated. While the tour provides a hands-on understanding of the challenges faced by those living with dementia, the debrief allows participants to vocalize the emotions felt within the tour, unpack the physical challenges, and reflect on the changes needed to improve dementia care. This discussion is structured, insightful, and highly beneficial for caregivers seeking to enhance their skills.

The Impact of Experiential Learning

During our most recent Virtual Dementia Tour at WellMed, a participant shared how the gentle, reassuring tone of her guide helped her remain calm in what was otherwise a confusing and stressful experience. She realized how vital it is for caregivers to offer that same calm, guiding presence to individuals living with dementia. Programs like the Virtual Dementia Tour strengthen caregiver training by providing real-world scenarios that improve decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills. These lessons directly enhance the daily care and comfort of seniors, helping caregivers feel more confident and effective in their roles.

Bringing the Virtual Dementia Tour to San Antonio

At Griswold Home Care, we are proud to partner with Loss of Life Advocates to bring this life-changing experience to our community. By participating in the Virtual Dementia Tour, caregivers gain practical skills, empathy, and confidence in providing dementia care San Antonio families trust.

Whether you are a professional caregiver or a family member, this training fosters understanding, compassion, and more effective care for seniors living with dementia. It’s not just about learning techniques — it’s about seeing the world from their perspective and responding in ways that preserve dignity, independence, and quality of life.