The Committee for a Dementia-Friendly St. Albans and the West Virginia Alzheimer’s Association will co-sponsor a free “Hands-On Dementia Experience” program from 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, at the Hansford Senior Center in St. Albans.
The two-hour program is designed to give participants an opportunity to experience first hand what life is like for their loved ones who have dementia.
“We hope to educate — and bring a real-life experience to — folks living with or taking care of a dementia person,” St. Albans Vice Mayor and Council at Large member Walter Hall said. “It’s invaluable to learn in this way, to experience learning skills that if a young person would like to go into any of the health professions, they’re going to know what it’s like to care for a person with dementia.
“Most of today’s caregivers are family members,” Hall added. “This event will provide an opportunity to experience life with a dementia person.”
At the Hands-On Dementia Experience, Hansford Senior Center Director Kathy Barnett said, volunteers will equip participants with restrictions that replicate some of the physical and cognitive challenges those with dementia face on a daily basis.
“We will have a couple of rooms set up when a person comes in,” Barnett explained. “Volunteers will put goggles on them that are coated with petroleum jelly, to simulate eye programs. They’ll put on ear muffs to emulate hearing problems and heavy gloves to understand dexterity issues with people with dementia may have.
“They’ll be given simple chores to do — maybe to find a red sweater and fold it and when these instructions are coming so quickly and with the difficulty understanding them, they may have a better understanding of what their loved one is going through,” she said.
She added Sunday’s HODE is the first the Hansford Senior Center has hosted. She believes it will address a growing need in St. Albans and all other communities around the state and nation.
“It’s like when you buy a red car, you start to notice how many red cars are on the roads,” Barnett said. “Over time, some people are just now discovering family members with dementia. It’s new to them and now they’re seeking information and resources. We’re trying to reach those people.”
A related meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 19 at the center, she said.
“At the Jan. 19 meeting, we hope to have surveys passed out,” Barnett said. Attendees will be able to take part in a DFSA community survey to help identify caregiver and community needs and concerns in St. Albans.
The Jan. 19 program is entitled “Alzheimer’s University.”
“J.T. Hunter from the West Virginia Alzheimer’s Association will do a presentation and take questions from audience members,” Barnett said. “We’ll have some information on referrals and other resources people can reach out to.”
Barnett said the Dementia Friendly St. Albans Committee first met in May 2017 and the program they would like implemented for the city remains in the planning stages.
“We’re not just trying to get individuals and the public involved,” she said, “but also the businesses, with people who come in to them, and perhaps they’ll have a better understanding and be better equipped to help that individual.
“We hope to have stickers for businesses that are dementia friendly. We just need someone from the organization to take a small amount of training and be willing to deal with the public on those issues,” she said.
The Hansford Senior Center is located at 500 Washington St. in St. Albans.
RSVPs are requested for Sunday’s program. To RSVP or obtain further information about the event, contact Kathy Barnett at 304-722-4621.
