Dementia Australia has launched an innovative workshop, Dine with Ted (VR) to support care workers to improve the dining experience of people living with dementia.
Dine with Ted (VR) uses virtual reality technology and best practice principles to deliver world class dementia education.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the workshop is an immersive way for participants to enhance their skills, utilise a problem-solving approach to behaviours and optimise the dining experience for people living with dementia.
“For people living with dementia in community, home or residential care, a positive dining experience is so important,” said Professor Buchanan.
“Dine with Ted (VR) responds to the upcoming strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards around dining experiences for people living in Aged Care, as they have an elevated importance."
The three-hour long face-to-face workshop uses VR and avatar technology to see the dining experience through the eyes of someone living with dementia and demonstrates how physical, environmental and communication factors can cause changes in behaviour.
Launching today to hundreds of attendees at Dementia Australia’s Centre for Dementia Learning webinar ‘Nourish Connections: Enhancing Dining Experiences for People with Dementia’ Dine with Ted (VR) is the latest addition to the suite of workshops by Dementia Australia that utilise VR to maximise the learning outcomes.
Rachel Mead, Regional Quality and Improvement Manager (South) at Regis Aged Care experienced Dine with Ted (VR) and said the VR environment was realistic to the day-to-day work in providing a dining experience for residents.
“The technology used can really transport people to capture different perspectives. It was eye opening.” said Ms Mead.
The workshop is suitable for staff providing support to people living with dementia in various care settings, including residential and home care.
To enquire about Dine with Ted (VR) visit: https://www.dementia.org.au/professionals/professional-development-and-training/dine-with-ted or contact development@dementia.org.au
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Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
Media contacts: Catherine McCarthy, Media and Communications Advisor catherine.mccarthy@dementia.org.au 0466 796 201
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
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If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.