Volunteers get trained for dementia visits

By Sununu Bah
Posted on August 14, 2017

During his eight years working in three nursing homes, John Wortman had a first-hand view of the needs of residents.

He was struck by the fact that many of those with dementia were rarely, if ever, visited by family and friends. While the staff attended to their physical and medical needs, their intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs were not well addressed, fueling feelings of loneliness.

He believed the problem was the result of a disconnect between how society perceives dementia and what the disorder actually is. “The gap between what people think about dementia and how those with it really are is tremendous,” Wortman said.

He said some think those with dementia cannot remember anything from the past, do not enjoy activities they used to engage in, and that there is nothing that can be done to support them emotionally or engage them.

But that is often not the case. Many with dementia do respond to visitors, can talk about the past, and particularly enjoy listening to music, singing songs and similar activities.

Wortman attributes the false public perception to denial and the fact that most people with dementia are institutionalized.

“There is a fear of facing their own disease or death. People feel uncomfortable. Lack of contact lets people create a story, and society reinforces the stereotype.”

Initiating the program

Wortman went to his friend Rabbi David Shneyer with his concerns, and with a plan to help lessen the isolation that dementia patients experience.

Wortman knew that Shneyer — the director of Am Kolel, a Jewish Renewal community devoted to meeting unmet needs in the community — had a history of implementing solutions. (In Hebrew, Am Kolel means “an inclusive people.”)

Those interested in volunteering for the VPPD may email visitorsproject@gmail.com or rabbidavid@am-kolel.org, or call (301) 349-2799.

The organization is also seeking additional funding and welcomes donations. Tax deductible contributions can be sent to Am Kolel VPPD at 19520 Darnestown Road, Beallsville, MD 20839.