In this episode of GEMCast host Dr. Christina Shenvi is joined by Dr. Alice Gray and Dr. Brittany Ellis to talk about the benefits of experiential learning that allows participants to be simulated into real-world scenarios, in this case, to appreciate the challenges elderly patients face in the ED. To achieve this they use suits that are designed to allow the user to experience a range of physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments that may impact older people.

The main goals of the educational sessions are to create empathy in healthcare providers and to help all of us understand how we can modify our own practice and behaviours to provide the best possible care for older patients.

Equipment List for Creating a Geri Suit (note: not all components are required, and each can be used alone or in combination)

• Plastic safety glasses (sand the lenses) to mimic impaired visual acuity
• Ear protectors (e.g. for hunting) to mimic hearing loss
• Thin finger gloves to limit fine motor and alter sensation as in neuropathy
• Cervical spine collar or soft neck collar to limit range of motion, especially the ability to look down
• Knee immobilizers and elbow immobilizers to limit joint range of motion as in arthritis
• Poorly sized gait aids (cane, walker) to demonstrate impact of poor fit and allow for education on appropriate fit
• Medication bottles of various sizes and type, blister packs, pill organizers etc filled with candy of various sizes and colour – ask person to take certain pill while utilising some of the above equipment to mimic challenges (e.g. vision impairment, fine motor etc)