At AgeCare Care Homes we believe that all residents are entitled to a rich quality of life with the opportunity to live as independently as possible.
We are committed to providing on-going, up to date training in all areas of dementia care to all members of our care home teams. This ensures everyone is knowledgeable and confident in their approach and care delivery.
We have recently embarked on our latest programme, that of virtual dementia training, an innovative method that allows us to experience what dementia might be like and help improve the support we can give on a day-to-day basis.
The Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) was invented 25 years ago in America by PK Beville and is known for providing a realistic experience of dementia. VDT is medically and scientifically proven to be the closest experience a person with a healthy brain can undertake.
The training is being facilitated across our homes by Training2care and is a life-changing experience, giving a person with a healthy brain an experience of what dementia might be like. By understanding dementia from the sufferer’s point of view we can change practice, reduce issues and improve lives. Our teams will be able to better understand the simple changes they can make to improve the lives of those they support.
The World Health Organisation states that Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally. In 2021 it was stated that 57 million people worldwide had dementia with almost 10million new cases each year.
According to Alzheimer’s Research UK there are around 982,000 people in the UK living with dementia, with this figure expected to rise to over 1.4million by 2040.
This method of giving a person with a healthy brain and experience of what dementia might be like, allows delegates to enter the world of the person and understand which simple changes need to be made to their practice and environment to really improve lives of people with dementia.
The Virtual Dementia Tour has now been proven, following research produced by Ulster University, to change practice within 95% of delegates, improve knowledge in 97% of delegates and improve outcomes for 100% of clients.
The Virtual Dementia Bus training starts with our Millway and Waterbeach homes, followed by Muscliff later in the summer. During the training, participants have vision, touch and sound distorted in a similar way to someone living with dementia and they are required to complete everyday challenges under such confusing conditions. The outcomes will increase insight, knowledge and understanding in the provision of person-centred care.
Providing the highest level of dementia care is really important to us, knowing that we play a primary role in improving the lives of those in our care with dementia and that we can encourage independence and enhance self-esteem.
We are excited to be offering such progressive and insightful training that will allow our staff to provide even better care and support, feel more confident and in turn give our residents and their families a better life experience and peace of mind.
Staff Reflections – Real Insights from the Dementia Bus Experience
As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence in dementia care, the Virtual Dementia Tour has offered more than just training – it’s sparked meaningful reflection across our teams. Here’s what some of our staff had to say about their experience:
Amy, Senior Carer-
“The bus came to help us understand what people with dementia deal with every day; I think the concept is very good. What struck me the most was how the senses are heightened all at the same time and how difficult it must be for people with dementia to carry out everyday tasks. I think it will impact my care style as I will have a greater understanding of how best to help ease everyday tasks and how best to assist people with dementia.”
Sarah, Activities Lead-
“I have worked in social care for many years, both in home settings and in the community. Despite completing many courses on dementia, the Dementia Bus experience was by far the most eye-opening. It’s something I would strongly encourage everyone to do – not just staff, but families too.
During the experience, I found myself completely focused on just one shirt button, unaware of anything else going on around me. I was trying as hard as I could to do that one simple task, and it gave me a powerful insight into how overwhelming everyday actions can be for someone living with dementia.
This experience has deepened my awareness of our residents’ perspectives. I now make a more conscious effort to approach them in ways that ensure they receive the best possible care – with patience, understanding, and compassion.”
Jeorgie, Activities Assistant-
“I wasn’t sure what to expect from the dementia bus, as some one who is new to care I was eager to see what I would gain from the experience. Whilst on the bus you are fully immersed into a sensory overload, I was very curious and would have things taken away from me, and overtime I was increasingly frustrated. I was also very agitated when being fed. over all 2 things I took from the bus is communication, always explain what you are doing before you do it and not to take things away immediately. Have patience, whilst not all residents have all these symptoms most will. I came away from the bus with more empathy for our residents and a better understanding of what we all must do to give our residents the best quality of life.”
Audrey, Nurse-
“The bus was equipped with the necessary items and the trainer did make use of it all bringing out the true and realistic experience. A great way to reflect what it is like in a nursing home environment. My experience showed me how sensory impairment can affect and impact all aspects of life. The whole experience was a great eye opener, my approach to how I deliver care and who care for. I’m more patient, empathetic and have a greater and deeper understanding of what it is like to live with dementia.”
These powerful reflections highlight the true value of the Virtual Dementia Tour in shaping more empathetic, person-centred care. As more of our team take part, we continue to strengthen not just our knowledge, but the compassion and sensitivity that define life at AgeCare.
