Senior Living Experts Put UVM Students in the Shoes of a Person Experiencing Dementia
October 12, 2018
SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT–The Residence at Quarry Hill and The Residence at Shelburne Bay recently co-presented “A Walk in Their Shoes” to the Premedical Enhancement Program (PEP) at the University of Vermont (UVM).
A Walk in Their Shoes, is an interactive dementia simulation. The program impairs the sensory abilities of participants to mimic what individuals with dementia go through on a regular basis. Participants temporarily experience an altered sense of smell, sight, hearing, taste and touch with the use of certain tools. The exercise is designed to offer a firsthand experience of challenges involved in managing Alzheimer’s and other related dementias in everyday situations.
The Premedical Enhancement Program, or PEP, is a formalized three-year mentoring program co-sponsored by the UVM Honors College and College of Medicine Office of Primary Care. The intent of the program is to provide students with the opportunity to experience the complex realities of patient care and practice management while also witnessing the tremendous responsibility entrusted to physicians.
Ideally, students will also begin to appreciate the important role physicians have in contributing to and advocating for the care of underserved Vermonters. Participants gain insight into the medical school process by being matched with a Larner student throughout their time in the program.
Tanya Seeley, BRDP, and Anika Bachofen, BRDP, Reflections Directors from The Residence at Quarry Hill and The Residence at Shelburne Bay, were invited to present to the UVM PEP Honors College students.
Both communities offer the renowned Reflections Memory Care program for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. In addition to providing sophisticated cognitive programming and a range of daily services, Reflections is a non-pharmacological, safe, stimulating environment with common areas, outdoor courtyard, and many other amenities.
The programming is developed in collaboration with the Harvard Medical School,Brigham & Women’s Hospital and McLean Hospital.
Both communities are owned by LCB Senior Living, LLC, a leading senior housing operator and developer with roots that go back to 1994. Headquartered in Norwood, MA, the LCB team was among the region’s first Assisted Living providers. The company owns and operates communities throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, offering Independent, Assisted and Reflections Memory Care living options.