Coastal Hospice is proud to announce Director of Business Development Lauren Blair, LMSW, VDTCT, DACE Coach pioneering as the first Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT) Certified Trainer in Maryland. The VDT® is the original patented, evidence-based scientific method of building a greater understanding of dementia by building awareness and empathy in individuals caring for people living with dementia.
Lauren shares how this eye-opening experience truly transformed the way she and many others think about dementia.
“The simulation is designed to give participants a glimpse into what it may be like to live with dementia. Through a series of sensory and environmental changes, altered vision, unfamiliar sounds, and physical limitations, you’re asked to complete simple, everyday tasks. Tasks that would normally take only a few minutes. During the experience, nothing feels simple.
I found myself disoriented almost immediately. What struck me most was the sense of frustration and, at times, even fear, that crept in when I couldn’t make sense of what was happening around me.
It was a powerful reminder that what we often interpret as resistance, confusion, or even noncompliance in patients living with dementia may be rooted in something much deeper: a loss of control, a lack of clarity, and an overwhelming environment. For those of us in healthcare, especially in hospice and end-of-life care, this perspective is invaluable. Our role is not only to manage symptoms, but to honor the lived experience of every individual. The Virtual Dementia Tour brings that responsibility into sharp focus.”
The Virtual Dementia Tour is an effective tool for fostering empathy and understanding among both professional caregivers and family members caring for a loved one with dementia. By providing participants with a firsthand glimpse into the sensory and cognitive challenges often experienced by individuals living with dementia, the experience creates a deeper appreciation for their daily struggles. Coastal Hospice will be hosting community-wide Virtual Dementia Tour events, providing an opportunity for anyone interested in gaining greater insight into the dementia experience.
Organizations interested in bringing the Virtual Dementia Tour to their team can partner with us to schedule an on- site or hosted experience tailored to their staff, leadership, or community audience. As a VDT® Certified Trainer (VDTCT), Lauren will work collaboratively with each organization to coordinate logistics, identify goals, and ensure a meaningful, well-supported session aligned with your team’s needs. We also provide debriefing and resources for caregivers. Continuing education credits are available for social workers and nurses. Whether you’re looking to enhance clinical education, strengthen empathy in caregiving, or provide a unique professional development opportunity, we’ll guide you through the process and create an experience that leaves a lasting impact.
For more information about the Virtual Dementia Tour®, schedule a tour for your organization or to discover upcoming events open to the community, please contact Lauren Blair. We’ll work with you to plan a session that fits your schedule and goals. Visit, www.coastalhospice.org/education for additional educational opportunities we provide.
About Coastal Hospice: Coastal Hospice has provided compassionate care for over 45 years, focusing on comfort, symptom management, and quality of life for those living with life-limiting illnesses. Founded in 1980 by a small group of Salisbury residents, Coastal Hospice began when modern hospice was still new to the U.S. We remain committed to supporting patients and families through every stage of care, wherever they call home. Whether in a private residence, a skilled nursing center, or an assisted living community, Coastal Hospice at the Lake, or the Macky & Pam Stansell House. Other services include palliative care, advance care planning, symptom management, veteran and pediatric programs, and grief support. Our organization serves the four Lower Eastern Shore counties: Wicomico, Worcester, Dorchester, and Somerset counties. To learn more about Coastal Hospice, please visit www.coastalhospice.org
