The LaFayette-Walker County Public Library is giving the community a chance to experience what life is like for those with dementia.
On Thursday, Sept. 13, the library will host a Virtual Dementia Tour developed by international nonprofit Second Wind Dreams, which offers educational programs to change the perception of aging.
The free, 30-minute tours outfit participants with sensory-altering goggles, headsets and gloves, then challenge them to complete everyday tasks in a staged environment.
The goal is to give caregivers an idea of the physical and mental challenges those living with dementia face daily, enabling them to offer better aid and support.
The program hits home for library branch manager Tim York. His father, who passed away last year, was an Alzheimer's patient, and his mother is in the early stages of dementia with her health now on the decline. She has moved in with York, who provides one-on-one care.
"It's real frustrating. Frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time," said York. "Part of me wants to think somewhere in that fog is my mother, and if I can say something or do something I can pull her out of it, but I don't think that's going to happen."
That's why York is looking forward to this week's tour, which he said will give him a chance to walk a mile in his mother's shoes.
"Maybe if I understand what she may be seeing and hearing and feeling, I'll be able to better empathize with her," he said. "Maybe I'll have a better understanding of what she's going through so I can be a little bit more patient, a little bit more long-suffering in my dealings with her."
The program is geared especially toward first responders, nursing home and hospital employees, caregivers, community outreach organizations and local businesses, but all are invited and encouraged to attend.
For those who may not be directly affected by dementia, York said the program may still be beneficial because it could give participants an idea of how to spot the beginning of dementia in themselves and others.
"You never know," he said. "Alzheimer's and dementia are just that slow, creeping disease that slowly steals away your mental faculties and health, so you never know."
The tours will take place at the library from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To register and select a time slot, visit secondwind.org/take-the-tour.
Email Myron Madden at mmadden@timesfreepress.com