Every 3 seconds a person with a cognitive disability is neglected and abused. In fact, by the time you read this short message nearly 10 more individuals with Autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or Down syndrome will be victims of neglect and abuse. Our unique behavioral modification program is a solution to this problem. We’ve developed a powerful technology that helps stop the neglect and abuse of those with special needs.  

How The Virtual Caregiver Helps

Whether the condition is a disease that occurs later in life that is mentally debilitating or a lifelong disability of being developmentally challenged, there is a common thread: The inability to reach through to the participant in a recognizable manner that they can relate and respond to on a consistent basis which will eventually lead to caregiver burn-out, neglect and abuse. The Virtual Caregiver has been painstakingly and specifically designed and engineered to empower the participant to actively engage in their own care. The program is comprised of a new and patent pending technology called “Audio Choreography” which incorporates music as an actual part of the instruction as rhythmic cueing and not merely background atmosphere. The concept is based on how music can induce a physical response or neuro-connection that can be conditioned over a period of time. By creating these new neuro pathways that are based on response to rhythmic cueing and not merely verbal prompts it helps deliver increased proficiency at these tasks particularly with continued use, rehearsal and conditioning. 

The Virtual Caregiver was developed based on research that overwhelmingly indicates how music is the universal language of cognitive impairment. It inspires movement from practically everyone whether it’s tapping a toe along with a catchy beat, drumming fingers on the table along with a recognized melody or singing along to a favorite song on the radio in the car. Music can:

       Impact a mood.

       Induce or heighten an emotion.......

and now with The Virtual Caregiver, it can orchestrate and cue desired actions that help a cognitively challenged individual to accomplish everyday tasks. It is an incredibly effective system that transforms exhaustive and draining daily living skills into an experience participants look forward to doing. 

  Activities of Daily Living: The birthplace of neglect

It is the everyday tasks and necessities of life where neglect typically begins for those with cognitive impairment. In most cases it’s not due to criminal intent but from the over sized caseloads and overwhelming emotional toll extracted from the caregiver, particularly over a period of time. This is even more pronounced when the individual is resistant to the care that is being offered, encouraged or supervised. Ultimately, what may start out as neglect soon turns into abuse. 

The Statistics

Every year an estimated 2.1 million elderly Americans are victims of physical, psychological, or other forms of abuse and neglect according to the American Psychological Association. Yet, experts conservatively estimate that people with developmental disabilities are at least four times more likely to be victimized than the elderly and are at the highest risk of victimization. National statistics reveal that nearly 90% of individuals with a developmental disability may be a victim of abuse, neglect or exploitation at some point during their life according to the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are the world’s fastest growing diseases and 1 out of 3 seniors will be impacted from the disease. These groups represent a staggering number of people with special needs, estimated at over 25 million and growing.

Dealing with Functional Limitations

Due to functional limitations of some participants it may be necessary in the early stages of use with this coaching system to pause at certain times during the program to allow the participant to maintain pace with the directions. It is highly recommended that the program not be paused at the same point with each use and the participant encouraged to keep up with the program. It is also recommended that the video simulation component of the program be viewed by the participant often particularly in the initial phases of use. Although the animated movements are not necessarily identical to the actual procedure performed by the participant, the association between direction and task completion can be attained more proficiently in this manner. 

Free Download of the Hand Washing Audio Program and Video Simulation is available below