Virtual Dementia Experience comes to Home Instead Norwich
Discover the transformative Virtual Dementia Experience and learn how this unique training will benefit the team at Home Instead Norwich and their clients.
At Home Instead Norwich, we’re passionate about enhancing the lives of older adults and their families. With the number of people living with dementia rising, expert dementia care is more vital than ever.
The power of experiencing living with Dementia
To truly understand dementia, we recognise the power of immersive experiences that bridge the gap toward empathy and understanding.
On 26th and 27th June 2024, we co-hosted the revolutionary Virtual Dementia Tour at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show, and it proved to be an eye-opening experience that offered unprecedented insights into the world of those living with dementia.
Over the course of two days, more than 100 people – ranging from healthcare professionals to curious visitors – climbed aboard the Dementia Tour Bus in Norfolk. The reactions were emotional and overwhelming for many, with agreement on how useful the experience is for deepening our understanding amongst healthcare professionals and the wider public.
One participant shared, “I’ve just experienced the dementia bus, here at the Norfolk show. Overwhelming experience. I’m a little bit choked up still that people are living with this daily and that gave me first-hand experience of what it feels like to live with dementia.”
Another participant explained, “I found it impossible to complete any activities while I was in there, which sort of surprised me. I thought maybe I’d be able to overcome the difficulties to do that.” Others echoed the sentiment: “I had no idea it was going to be that severe.”
Our owner, Chris, emphasised the tour’s importance: “I think the dementia experience is really helpful for anyone who might come into contact with people living with dementia, either through their family experience or professional roles etc.”
“It gives you a real insight into what it’s like or what it could be like to live with dementia. I think it helps us to consider more or reflect on how we might best interact with that person to best help them.”
The science behind the Virtual Dementia Experience
The Virtual Dementia Tour, developed by Training2care, is a scientifically-backed initiative that simulates the experience of living with dementia for people with healthy brains. Training2care states that “This allows participants to understand the needs and challenges faced by those with dementia, enabling them to make effective changes in their practice and environment.”
With over 200,000 people in the UK experiencing the tour annually, it’s a gold standard in dementia training, utilised by NHS Trusts, HSE Trusts, care homes, police, universities, and numerous other organisations.
Incredible training for our Home Instead Norwich team
We’re thrilled to announce that the Virtual Dementia Tour Bus is making a return to Norwich on Thursday, 15th August, to visit the Forum specifically for our Home Instead team.
Our office team and Care Professionals, who dedicate themselves to supporting older adults living with dementia, will have the chance to engage with this incredible and transformative experience.
We’re committed to providing the best training, ensuring that our team is well-equipped to provide exceptional home care, with compassion and expertise, and are able to support our clients to live well at home. On this occasion, we’ll be inviting the Sheriff & Sheriff Consort of Norwich and local media to join us and witness this invaluable initiative firsthand.
Contact us in Norwich
If you are interested in learning more about our tailored home care services and specialist dementia care in Norwich, call our friendly and professional team on 01603 963317.
If you’d like to be part of a team that puts valuable, client-centred training at the forefront apply to become a Care Professional in Norwich at our website.
If you would like to find out more, we will also have a stand outside the Forum next to the bus for members of the public to talk with our team about career opportunities and our care services.
Join us in our mission to enhance the lives of those living with dementia, one compassionate step at a time.