Catherine Samatas
Catherine Samatas is the Director of Engagement and Innovative Programming at CJE SeniorLife. She provides leadership and participates in the assessment, planning, and facilitation of programming to increase community engagement. She has experience in developing community outreach programs, managing events, and designing innovative community-based learning initiatives including evidence-based practices for healthy living. She is the creator of Dementia Reality, an experiential caregiver training program which uses virtual reality technology and role specific curriculum, for a comprehensive training program.
Multiple experiences inspired Cathy to develop Dementia Reality™. Driving during a thunderstorm, a tree fell across Cathy’s car, trapping her for hours. Late for work and wishing she could get going, she thought, “I bet the people in the nursing home wish they were somewhere else too.” It inspired her to create a “virtual vacation” of Israel, which she put together for residents in her assisted living community.
“One gentleman with Alzheimer’s put the headset on and was obviously excited. I asked afterwards if he enjoyed it, and he said through tears, ‘I could see my home from here…I want to go back!’
“I realized what powerful emotions this virtual experience could elicit, as well as what a powerful teaching tool it would be,” says Cathy. “I believe it can lift the burden off someone when they really understand this is a disease, and they look at it differently. It’s a transformative moment, and one I want more people to have.”
Dementia Reality™ is a collaboration between CJE SeniorLife and Elderwerks Educational Services.
Established in 1971, CJE is a leading Chicago area eldercare provider offering a wide array of healthcare services, wellness education, home and community-based resources, housing, benefits advocacy, and applied research. Each year, these services annually benefit 20,000 clients and caregivers throughout the metropolitan area. CJE is committed to serving older adults and their families regardless of income, religion, gender, or ethnicity. CJE has extensive experience in the development and facilitation of dementia-friendly programming. For more information about CJE, visit www.cje.net.
Established in 2012, Elderwerks’ mission is to provide older adults, seniors, and families with senior living coordination, advocacy, and education. The complimentary information, referrals, and guidance provided helps seniors make appropriate decisions. Acting as “senior guidance advisors” Elderwerks is able to answer any aging related question regarding senior housing, care, benefits, services, veteran’s benefits, local resources, as well as federal programs. This information provided helps seniors stay home well or transition successfully into a new opportunity. For more information about Elderwerks, visit www.elderwerks.org.