See Alzheimer’s through new eyes

Alzheimer’s Australia NSW is running a series of three-hour workshops where participants use a virtual reality smartphone application to see the world through the eyes of someone with dementia.

By wearing the EDIE (Educational Dementia Immersive Experience) virtual reality headset, users become Edie – a man with Alzheimer’s – and have to navigate through a series of “challenges” such as getting out of bed and walking to the toilet in the middle of the night.

The program has already been used in Victoria.

Alzheimer’s Australia NSW education and helpline manager Danielle White said EDIE had proved a hit in several workshops.

“This technology allows anyone to be able to navigate the environment from the perspective of a person with dementia, allowing you to walk in the shoes of the person with dementia,” she said.

“Participants in our workshops have found the experience cathartic, as it enables them to gain a greater depth of understanding of what it’s like to have dementia than what they’ve previously been able to through other theoretical or reference-based learning.”

She said the program will equip participants with a fresh perspective on the communication techniques, environmental adjustments and support strategies that can impact most positively on people living with dementia.

Topics covered during the workshops include discussing the impact of dementia at various stages, looking at a carer’s perspective of dementia, and the importance of identifying support needs for the carer and person with dementia.

The Enabling EDIE Interactive Workshops, aimed at health professionals and care workers, will be held on various dates throughout the year in the Alzheimer’s Australia NSW offices in North Ryde, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.

The cost is $175 per person.

The organisation also runs free education courses for carers to help families and friends caring for a person with dementia.