Tunnel vision goggles are worn to replicate the symptom of loss of peripheral vision , ankle weights are worn to replicate balance problems , while large gloves are worn and fingers are taped together to replicate a deficit in dexterity and fine motor skills .
A recording of the ward background noise is played loudly into the room . This focuses attention on how noisy acute hospital wards can be ; this is especially pertinent as staff members may become used to constant background noises and no longer routinely notice them .
The recording involves patient call bells , beeping IV stations , loud trolleys passing in the corridor and staff talking . The level of noise within inpatient wards may be particularly distressing for someone living with dementia .
A hallucination corner is set up in the training . People living with dementia may experience false perceptions secondary to the changes of their brain that may happen in the later stages of the disease .
Hallucinations may vary from visual , auditory or smelling things that aren ’ t there . This could involve seeing flashing lights , animals , hearing voices or smelling smoke . ( Alzheimer ’ s society 2021 ).
They are replicated by photographs of common visual hallucinations on the wall or the floor around the training room . A flashing disco light is also displayed in the corner . Auditory hallucinations are incorporated throughout the session by whispering in participants ears .
The attempt to replicate cognitive symptoms are delivered through role play scenarios . Confusion is created through providing instructions that do not make sense , this helps to mimic comprehension difficulties which people may experience – for example , ‘ get your wedding gown from under the boat ’ instead of ‘ put on your hospital gown from under the chair ’.
Participants are asked to write down their name and date of birth , however they are given a toothbrush instead of a pen to do this , replicating the symptom of losing the ability to recognise objects as the disease progresses .
An argumentative approach is taken towards the participant , insisting that it is a pen . This allows staff the opportunity to understand how staff attitude , response and communication style can impact the person we are caring for .
All scenarios completed within the training are tailored to the experience of a busy acute hospital ward , but are over-exaggerated for dramatic effect to replicate the vulnerability of
Above : Dementia simulation – visual and auditory hallucination simulation
someone living with dementia .
A rushed approach is taken in the role play , not allowing participants time to process information or instruction . Scenarios such as taking someone for x-ray , putting someone in a bed with the bed rails up , and leaving someone in the toilet are examples of tasks completed .
Above : Dementia simulation – functional activity carried out with enhanced physical impairments
Above left to right : Louise Cinderby and Jemma Wiltshire
May 2024 OTnews 27