Changed behaviour is reported to be one of the most distressing aspects of the condition for those caring for people living with dementia, as well as those for whom they are providing care. It is associated with reduced quality of life, faster progression of dementia, and the use of potentially harmful medicines such as antipsychotics.
- A high proportion of changed behaviour or psychological symptoms of dementia is either precipitated or exacerbated by environmental factors and unmet needs.
- The emerging technology of virtual reality (VR) has been identified as a potential means to improve health professionals’ understanding of dementia, and its management.
- Rather than simply providing learners with education about best practice, evidence-based principles in dementia enabling environmental design, VR facilitates learning by experience of the principles in action.
Register now as there are limited spots available.
Light refreshments and dinner will be provided.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe how the physical environment can impact a person living with dementia ‘s function and wellbeing
- Identify key aspects of the physical environment that may cause illbeing and lead to be changed behaviour
- Discuss the experience for a person living with dementia prescribed antipsychotic medication
- Identify and report changes in a person function and behaviour that may relate to the use of medication
- Discuss the ethical and huma rights considerations of restrictive practice and medication use for a person living with dementia
To achieve the learning objectives, participants will use a range of experiential learning activities, which includes a virtual reality program to step into the world of a person living with dementia.
- Participants will experience virtual reality simulations of environments that are disabling and enabling for people living with dementia. The purpose of including VR as a learning activity is to immerse participants in the scenarios and be able to interact with their surroundings – a residential aged care facility and explore the principles and guidelines for enabling environmental designs for people living with dementia.
- Experience some of the effects that medications may cause when used for changed behaviours. The VR scenarios are intended to support the aims of the workshop by giving participants a closer insight into the impacts of environments and medication use on residents, and how this might contribute to changed behaviour.
- Have the opportunity to share your knowledge and feelings and experience with the group. Participants will gain the most from the workshop by sharing their experiences and actively participating in the debriefing sessions and activities.