On Tuesday, the Beyond Dementia Coalition trained the staff at Longstreet Cafe on how to care for customers who may be experiencing dementia.
The training included the Virtual Dementia Tour, which saw employees put on gear that reduced their cognitive functions and then being tasked to do basic tasks for eight minutes.
According to the Beyond Dementia Coalition’s website, in their first 12 months as a formal organization they have reached over 1,000 northeast Georgians with their programs and training.
Their stated mission is to “reduce stigma and inspire people through awareness and education to recognize, engage, assist, and ultimately embrace people living with dementia as valued and beloved members of the community.”
Beyond Dementia Coalition has been doing this tour for over two years now, but never in a business setting.
“They experienced the Virtual Dementia Tour, a simulation so they know how it feels to have dementia and they will be better able to serve those who come through Longstreet,” Beyond Dementia Coalition CEO Bill Wittel said.
Wittel added that in July of last year they were able to put 102 Hall County deputies through the tour. Longstreet Cafe Owner Tim Bunch said why he decided to put himself and his employees through it was because of the age of some of his patrons.
“Most of our customers are pretty much 50 and older. I think it’s a great thing to be able to know when someone may have dementia so we know how to react to it,” Bunch said.
Wittel added why he does the work to spread awareness and help caregivers.
“My wife Ellen was diagnosed in February of 2014 and she passed away in February of 2021,” Wittel said. “Going through that whole journey as a caregiver is very stressful on the caregiver.”
Beyond Dementia Coalition Executive Director Cloud Conrad also experienced being a dementia caregiver.
“My father had dementia and he started showing signs of dementia in his early 40s,” Conrad said. “Had I known then what I know now I could have given him such a different level of care.”
Wittel said that he hopes other businesses also step up if they deal with the elderly.
“We’re hoping by doing this at Longstreet that other businesses in the community will recognize the need and step up and have us come in,” Wittel said.
When asked if his staff will change any protocols after going through the tour, Bunch said yes.
“I think we’ll have a lot more patience with them and know that we can help them,” Bunch said.
The Beyond Dementia Coalition is also holding a Dementia Symposium next Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lakewood Baptist Church.
Over 25 speakers are set to attend, including a doctor from Emory University’s School of Medicine. Attendance is free but registration is required, which you can do here.
