Town Square University Parkway Empowers Local Students with Hands-on Training for Dementia and Geriatric Care

To effectively address the growing need for dementia and geriatric care, medical students must be empowered and educated with hands-on training in a fun and nurturing environment. Town Square University Parkway a local 1950s-themed senior center has partnered with several different medical schools to help students receive clinical hours and hands-on experience when caring for the aging population. This partnership and educational program provides students with practical experience in assessing, managing, and communicating with older adults. This comprehensive training equips future healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to provide high-quality care for this vulnerable population, ultimately improving patient outcomes and promoting a more compassionate and empathetic approach to geriatric medicine. With the increasing elderly population in Sarasota Florida, Town Square wants to be at the forefront of helping provide solutions ensuring our senior population continues to get the best possible care. Students learn to assess and understand conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and MS disease. They learn how to help seniors who have recently fallen, or been injured or provide preventative care. Coaching these students on the geriatric population they learn how to communicate with these clients, and proactively help their families. The program also includes discussions, role-playing, and scenario training to develop communication and empathy skills. This aims to improve the quality of care for older adults and enhance their healthcare experience. Through this unique partnership, Town Square University Parkway’s adult day center often exceeds state regulations by tripling the typical six-to-one staff-to-participant ratio, allowing for one-on-one care and engaging experiences. Medical students provide personalized attention and interactive activities, fostering a deeper connection with the center’s members and enhancing their overall well-being.