Looking to bring hands-on geriatric care training opportunities to your health science classes? In a recent webinar, Emily Kuhn, Realityworks Senior Campaign Specialist, highlighted the wealth of geriatric care training tools that Realityworks offers. Read on to see what she had to say about these tools and why hands-on learning is ideal for helping students develop competence and confidence.
Who Are Our Students?
Today’s students are digital natives, most of whom were born between 1997 and 2012. This makes them members of the post-millennial “Generation Z” (Gen Z). They are considered digital natives because they grew up with technology and have never known a world without smartphones or instant internet access.
This unique relationship with technology is shaping their experiences, behaviors, and expectations in various aspects of life, including education. About 94 percent of Gen Z individuals have a high school diploma or are enrolled students. Additionally, 50 percent are in or have completed college.
The needs of these Gen Z students are changing the way we teach. For example, the standard classroom model in which an educator stands in front of the class and lectures just doesn’t work. Gen Z students want to learn and succeed, but they disengage with the discussion if they don’t feel connected or don’t see the relevance.
Empathy is in Demand
Empathy isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s a skill employers are actively looking for. With 85 percent of customers preferring emotionally intelligent representatives, empathy leads to improved customer satisfaction. Additionally, 76 percent of employees say empathy boosts productivity in the workplace.
“I want to be able to teach my students to be more understanding and empathetic with the aging process by the time they make it to their clinical rotation at the local nursing home… I want them to understand why the residents move so slowly, and I want them to learn to be patient and kind while working with them.” – Miranda Kessler, RN-BSN, Nicholas County Career and Technical Education Center, WV
Why Wearable Simulators?
Wearable simulators offer realism while protecting privacy. A few years ago, University of Minnesota completed a research study, in partnership with Realityworks and Innovative Design Labs, about the efficacy of wearable simulators. The University of Minnesota published their research results in Clinical Simulation in Nursing in 2023. Their results showed that peer physical examination limits learning and threatens psychologically safety.
Even better, wearables allow students to develop both technical and skills that go hand-in-hand—like compassion, sensitivity, and understanding. They don’t just simulate a task—they simulate an experience. With these wearable simulators, students experience real-life physical and emotional challenges that help them see the person beyond the task.
6 Hands-On Geriatric Care Training Tools
Now that we understand who our students and patients are, let’s take a look at five learning aids that Realityworks has developed specifically for teaching geriatric care. We’ll go through each teaching tool and offer some ideas for how they can be used in the classroom.
1. RealCare™ Geriatric Simulator
The Geriatric Simulator is a wearable suit that enables students to experience physical challenges like restricted range of motion, stooped posture, and joint stiffness. They can also experience visual impairments such as glaucoma and cataracts. It comes with a downloadable curriculum featuring eight lessons on topics such as exploring geriatrics and gerontology.
2. Geriatric Sensory Impairment Kit
Our Geriatric Sensory Impairment Kit is another great hands-on tool for building empathy towards older adults. It uses three interactive components to help students walk in the shoes of older adults. The Hearing Impairment Simulator lets users experience tinnitus, high-frequency hearing loss, and general hearing loss. Additionally, the Geriatric Arthritis Simulator lets them experience moderate to severe arthritis. Finally, the Geriatric Tremor Simulator uses EMS technology to induce hand tremors.
3. COPD and Mobility Challenges Simulation
The COPD and Mobility Challenge Simulation is a series of two wearable simulation experiences that allow students to walk in the shoes of an individual with COPD or mobility issues. The COPD simulation allows users to experience shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and lack of energy. The mobility simulation helps users experience difficulty ambulating and a shuffled, unsteady gait.
4. Dementia Simulation Experience
Our Dementia Simulation Experience is an immersive simulation that gives students the opportunity to experience the visual and hearing disturbances as well as the sensory impairment that are often found in older adults with dementia. The experience comes with enough supplies for 20 students to partner up and complete the exercises.
5. Geriatric Medication Management Simulation Kit
Our Geriatric Medication Management Simulation Kit is another great empathy-building tool as it gives students an understanding of what it’s like to juggle multiple medications as many older adults do. Specifically, students can practice opening and dispensing medications while experiencing a loss of tactile sensation as well as visual challenges.
6. Hemiplegia Simulator
Our Hemiplegia Simulator mimics the effects of a stroke by restricting motion on one side of the body. Students can try daily tasks like putting on a jacket or walking with an unbalanced gait. It’s an eye-opening experience that fosters deep respect for those learning to live—and thrive—after trauma.
See These Tools in Action
Check out the video below to see these learning aids up close!
Additional Resources
Looking for more resources to help teach geriatric care?
- Watch the full webinar for free to see some of these tools in action and discover additional tips for teaching geriatric sensitivity
- Access our free healthcare soft skills poster and infographics
- Request a consultation with your local Realityworks account manager by filling out this form
