124 Florida Skilled Nursing Facilities Honored With 2024 Bronze Certification for Excellence in Empathic Dementia Care

FLORIDA CITY, Fla., April 11, 2024 (Newswire.com) - Second Wind Dreams®, a leading innovator in enhancing elder care through advanced dementia care programs, proudly shares a momentous accomplishment within the state of Florida. A noteworthy milestone has been reached, with 124 skilled nursing facilities achieving the distinguished 2024 Bronze Level Certification in Empathic Dementia Care. This remarkable success reflects our collaborative efforts with the State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration, and the support from CMP funds provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The cornerstone of this grant initiative is the implementation of the Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT®) in skilled nursing homes across the state. The VDT® is a groundbreaking, evidence-based program that transforms the understanding and empathy caregivers possess for the daily realities faced by those living with dementia. By temporarily adjusting sensory and physical capabilities, the VDT offers invaluable perspectives and cultivates deep empathy, leading to significant improvements in care. These enhancements include reduced reliance on psychoactive medications, fewer hospitalizations due to behavioral issues, and the provision of effective strategies to support caregivers and families.

The VDT's influence has been profound, positively affecting over 3 million individuals across healthcare, academic, and community environments. This program not only fulfills but surpasses federal requirements for additional memory impairment care training, establishing a new benchmark for empathetic and effective dementia care. Thanks to the CMP Grant, participating skilled nursing facilities in Florida will receive complimentary access to essential VDT materials and training.

The Virtual Dementia Tour enables participants to experience firsthand the physical and cognitive challenges those with dementia face, leading to more person-centered care. Regular implementation of the VDT has demonstrated its ability to improve the standard of care for those with dementia by offering hope and practical solutions for a more supportive care environment.

About Second Wind Dreams®: Second Wind Dreams® is an internationally acclaimed non-profit organization dedicated to changing the perception of aging through the fulfillment of dreams and the pioneering Virtual Dementia Tour. Our mission is to foster a culture where the elderly are respected, understood, and valued, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

We are now seeking Letters of Support for an ambitious project aimed at extending the reach of the VDT Program to an additional 125 skilled nursing facilities across Florida. Participation is voluntary, with enrollment available on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested parties are encouraged to contact [email protected] to contribute a Letter of Support.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the skilled nursing facilities that have attained the 2024 Bronze Level Certification in Empathic Dementia Care. Your unwavering dedication to enhancing care quality within your organizations and communities is truly remarkable.

Source: Second Wind Dreams