A Butler County couple caring for a loved one with dementia participated in a simulation to better understand the challenges of the disease. Jan and Bob Donnell began taking care of Jan’s mother in 2020, initially believing she had a memory problem. They soon saw her condition deteriorate and struggled with communication. “It was frustrating when I couldn’t do simple tasks, and just eye-opening for sure,” Jan said. To gain insight into her experience, the couple turned to Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, which offers a simulation using specialized headphones, glasses, and gloves to replicate the sensory and cognitive challenges faced by those with dementia. “And when you stop looking at the things you can’t change and start looking at what you can change, that’s when you can really help caregivers be able to adapt their situation to give both themselves and the person they love some better days at home,” said Amy Kowinsky, executive director of Dementia360. Through the Dementia360 program, family caregivers are paired with coordinators to identify what is working well, what isn’t, and strategies for providing the best care possible.
BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. —
A Butler County couple caring for a loved one with dementia participated in a simulation to better understand the challenges of the disease.
Jan and Bob Donnell began taking care of Jan’s mother in 2020, initially believing she had a memory problem. They soon saw her condition deteriorate and struggled with communication.
“It was frustrating when I couldn’t do simple tasks, and just eye-opening for sure,” Jan said.
To gain insight into her experience, the couple turned to Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, which offers a simulation using specialized headphones, glasses, and gloves to replicate the sensory and cognitive challenges faced by those with dementia.
“And when you stop looking at the things you can’t change and start looking at what you can change, that’s when you can really help caregivers be able to adapt their situation to give both themselves and the person they love some better days at home,” said Amy Kowinsky, executive director of Dementia360.
Through the Dementia360 program, family caregivers are paired with coordinators to identify what is working well, what isn’t, and strategies for providing the best care possible.