Dementia Care Simulations: Observation to Action
Simulation learning reduces the gap between theory and practice by providing opportunities for hands-on experience to learn best practices in a safe and controlled environment.
By practicing clinical and problem-solving skills through simulation learning, students are more prepared to enter the workforce and face issues that arise in the daily work of healthcare providers.
Simulations offered in this section cover dementia care on oral care, pain recognition and management, and observation and reporting of delirium.
Oral Care for Individuals Living with Dementia
This learning activity places participants either in the role of a direct care worker or in the shoes of a person living with dementia. The learners will participate in two partnered activities focusing on communication skills, and techniques associated with oral care in persons living with dementia.
Estimated time: 30-Minute Activity-Scenario 1 (10 minutes), Scenario 2 (10 minutes), Debrief (10 minutes)
Recognizing & Managing Pain in Persons Living with Dementia
This interactive simulation places participants in the role of either a direct care worker performing morning care or an observer. They will encounter a simulated resident living with dementia exhibiting signs of pain. The focus is on recognizing pain in persons living with dementia, assessing the situation, and determining when escalation to a nurse is necessary.
Estimated time: 30-Minute Activity-Prebrief (7 minutes), Simulation (8 minutes), Debrief (15 minutes)
Observing Signs of Delirium in Individuals Living With Dementia
This interactive tabletop activity focuses on the identification of differences between dementia and acute delirium. It provides a dynamic learning experience that allows the learner to actively participate, improve their critical thinking skills, and practice communication using the STOP & WATCH and CUS communication tools through role-playing.
Estimated time: 30-Minute Activity-Prebrief (4 minutes), Sorting Activity (6 minutes), Role-Play Activity (10 minutes), Debrief (10 minutes)