Coastal Manor hosted a virtual dementia tour, sponsored by Second Wind Dreams, Wednesday.

Approximately 70 employees and residents’ relatives had an opportunity put on equipment that simulated a personal experience of dementia. The tour will return to Coastal Manor in six months to perform a second simulation, according to the home’s long term care officer Elise Stafford.

Coastal Manor serves residents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia related disorders.

"The training has already enhanced the approach to direct care offered by clinical staff, based on what they have learned by participating in the simulation," Stafford said. "Understanding the disease heightens a caregiver’s awareness of a resident’s needs and disabilities."

She said the Ludowici facility is one of 169 in Georgia to have been selected to participate in the tour. There are approximately 370 nursing facilities in the state.

"We consider it fortunate to have Second Wind Dreams offer this caliber training to the staff at Coastal Manor. Our participation in providing data to improve quality will continue over a three year period," Stafford said.