SAGE Webinar: The Use of a Virtual Nature Room in Memory Care to Reduce Stress-Related Emotions in People with Dementia.

This course is AIA approved for one Health, Safety, and Welfare Learning Unit (LU/HSW). 

Are you an ASID, IIDA, or IDS Member interested in earning CEU's for this course through IDCEC? CLICK HERE for more information!

Course Description:

The numbers of individuals with dementia is projected to be 16 million by 2050, and as part of the disease process a majority of these individuals experience stressful emotions that are challenging for memory care staff to manage. Evidence-based care strategies are needed to provide effective, non-pharmacologic strategies in the management of stress-related emotions and associated behaviors experienced by individuals with dementia.  A large body of research supports that simply viewing nature reduces stress and improves mood, but few studies have examined these benefits among individuals with dementia. This webinar will provide participants with the results of a recent research study conducted in a memory care facility, which examined the effects of a virtual nature room in reducing stressful emotions exhibited by individuals with dementia.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain knowledge of the research on the therapeutic benefits of viewing nature.
• Describe the benefits of a virtual nature room in effectively addressing the stress-related emotions associated with dementia.
• Identify how to use a virtual nature room and integrate it into a care management program.
• Identify important elements in creating a virtual nature room.

Lori Reynolds, PhD, OTR/L

Assistant Professor

Northern Arizona University

Occupational Therapy Program (OTD)

SAGE Board member