BERNARDSTON — For anyone who’s ever wondered what life is like for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, the Bernardston Senior Center is offering a program to provide a look inside their lives.
According to Senior Center Director Dianne Cornwell, the center is offering a “Virtual Dementia Tour,” a 15-minute participation experience that alters an individual’s senses while completing everyday tasks, for the first time on Wednesday, Aug. 9 with slots from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Cornwell said she first learned about virtual dementia tours during a Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging conference, and thought it would make for a meaningful program in Bernardston.
“We’re always looking for good ideas and this seemed really unique,” she said.
Because quite a few of the Senior Center’s members have Alzheimer’s disease, Cornwell continued, she thought the program would help their caregivers experience the challenges they face and use that insight to provide better individualized care.
“It’s a larger population than most people realize,” Cornwell said, referencing those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, an estimated 5.5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease.
Cornwell hopes by having a first-hand experience through the virtual tour, people will have more empathy toward individuals who have dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, on a broader level, Cornwell hopes to learn more about what it takes to become a dementia friendly town, like Agawam, Westfield and Quincy have done.
“(The Executive Office of Elder Affairs) is trying to promote a program across (Massachusetts) where communities become more dementia friendly so people with dementia can function within the community because people are more aware,” she explained.
Following the virtual tours from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Lori Arsenault and Melinda Monasterski will offer a presentation on dementia.
http://www.mass.gov/elders/civic-engagement/dementia-friendly-massachusetts-initiative.html
Another Senior Center program presented by Heather Hurd of Blue Cross Blue Shield called “Planning for Medicare — Countdown to Turning 65” will be held Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
“When you’re thinking about retirement, it’s really important to understand what Medicare can and can’t do,” Cornwell explained. “(Heather Hurd covers) all the ins and outs, and we encourage people who are turning 60 to come.”
She said the program, which has been offered annually for the past two years, is not insurance specific.
Following both presentations, a light supper will be served.
To sign up or for more information about either program, call the Senior Center at 413-648-5413 or email coa@townofbernardston.org. There is no fee to attend, though donations are accepted.
Reach Shelby Ashline at: sashline@recorder.com
413-772-0261 ext. 257