Salisbury, MD — What if getting dressed, writing a grocery list or folding laundry suddenly became overwhelming?
That’s the experience Visiting Angels Eastern Shore hopes to share during its free Alzheimer’s and Dementia Simulation on Saturday, August 22, at 10:30 a.m. The interactive training is designed to help family caregivers, healthcare professionals and community members better understand the daily challenges faced by people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Participants will wear specially designed simulation gear—including cotton balls in their ears, Vaseline-smudged glasses, weighted socks and garden gloves—while attempting everyday tasks amid distracting background noise. The exercise recreates some of the sensory, cognitive and communication challenges experienced by individuals living with early- to mid-stage dementia.
“We often hear people say Alzheimer’s is just memory loss, but it’s so much more than that,” said Journey Smith, director of business development for Visiting Angels. “Our goal is to help people experience, even briefly, how difficult everyday tasks can become. That understanding leads to greater patience, compassion and better communication with loved ones living with dementia.”
The program begins with an overview of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, followed by the simulation and a guided discussion about participants’ experiences and practical caregiving techniques.
The need for dementia education continues to grow. More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, while more than 12 million family members and friends provide unpaid care. The cost of caring for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is expected to reach $409 billion in 2026.
Maryland has one of the nation’s highest rates of Alzheimer’s disease, with approximately 127,200 Marylanders age 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s, representing 12.9% of the state’s older adult population.
Closer to home, Visiting Angels reports that approximately 25% of its clients have a dementia diagnosis or documented history of memory loss and confusion. As more families strive to keep aging loved ones safely at home, professional caregiving support has become increasingly important in helping prevent caregiver burnout while allowing older adults to remain independent.
The simulation was developed by Visiting Angels team members beginning in 2022 and has evolved through experience and collaboration with other dementia education programs. The organization has also brought the training to local businesses and community organizations, including the Salisbury and Ocean City Young Professionals and the Salisbury Lions Club.
The event is free and open to the public. Families interested in personalized education may also schedule one-on-one consultations, and Visiting Angels offers on-site dementia simulation training for businesses and organizations.
Event Details
What: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Simulation Training
When: Friday, August 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Visiting Angels Eastern Shore, 106-B Williamsport Circle, Salisbury, MD 21804
Cost: Free and open to the public
For more information call 443-210-2007.
About Visiting Angels Eastern Shore
Visiting Angels Eastern Shore provides compassionate in-home care services that help seniors and adults maintain their independence while remaining safely in the comfort of their own homes. Services include personal care, companionship, respite care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and specialized support tailored to each client’s individual needs.
