Health care professionals met with Freehold High School juniors and seniors Monday as part of a joint program to teach the students about how to care for those living with dementia.

The visit was part of the Health Profession Pathway Program between CentraState and the Freehold Regional High School District. Many of the students will go on to a pursue career in health care.

Certified dementia instructor Debbie Conroy was one of the health care professionals that made the trip to the Monmouth County school this morning.

“How’s your vision? Can you see?” Conroy asked the students while using special gloves and vision-impairing glasses. The professionals used these tools and others to show the students what it’s like living with dementia.

Even before college, the partnership between CentraState and the school district lets interested students to work at Applewood, an assistant living center.

Student worker Lorianna Fuentes Barrios spoke to News 12 about the benefits of the program.

“It’s just the knowledge," Lorianna said. "There are so many people who have dementia you never feel you know how to take care of them. With the program they’re learning so much more you can take home.”

“We have to join our loved ones. We have to join our patients and our residents where they are. Join their journey,” said Applewood activities specialist Ilana Silvan.

The lesson ran just over an hour – a brief introduction on caring for those with dementia, an introduction to their future work – a lesson they can take home.

The program is available at Freehold and Manalapan high schools. Currently, 12 students work at the assisted living facility as part of that partnership.