I spent half of Jaws under my seat and have not watched horror movies since. This seems like one. I can't see, my feet hurt and there is constant noise. This is just like that party last week.
The four of us from Caring Companion Home Care are starting a "virtual dementia tour" at Atria in Kennebunk,. ME.The form asks: Do you feel confused, anxious, disoriented? I don't know what is going to happen. Maybe anxious.
We each put plastic soles with spikes face up in our shoes. Next are yellow goggles and big gloves. Lastly, ear buds playing constant noise- I keep trying to hear what the people are saying but it is a jangle of ...well, noise. Susan leads me into an apartment, promising not to leave me and asks me to do four tasks. I immediately forget number four.
1- Find and put on the white sweater. I head for the bedroom, walking slowly and hunched over because I can't see my feet. My co-worker (at least I THINK it is Maggie) is folding clothes on the white bedspread. That wasn't on my list - or was it? The sweater is not there but here it is in the white closet.
2- Write three sentences in a letter to your family and put it in the envelope. Is the paper in the bedroom? No. Kitchen, no. Score! Living room. I can't see if my pen is writing and jeesh, I can't feel the paper to rip off the pad. These people are mean and I now hate envelopes.
3- Set the table for four. They didn't get me this time. Only 2 mats are out. But, dang. Paper plates. How many are here? Plates and mugs, not so bad. I can't feel the weight of the plasticware.
I hear Maggie asking questions. "She won't answer you!" I yell. I can hardly hear myself. Can she hear me? She is counting out her tasks and says "water". That's it! My fourth thing. I feel around for the clear plastic cup.
Yay, I win. What do I win? Awareness of fear, frustration, disorientation and wanting help, feet that still tingle and thankfulness that I do not have dementia.
Susan gives us therapy...er...talks to us about the experience. We talk about color contrast and keeping items where they belong. It's hard for dementia patients to see white on white which is why it's a good idea to use colored plates so they can see their food. It's good to greet someone from the front, waving hello, saying their name aloud and extending your hand. I can see that these steps will help to orient someone.
An hour later, we have put the episode behind us. Because we can. I am so glad I can.
