AgeCare Care Homes is rolling out a ground-breaking intensive training course for its teams that will give them unique insights into the way their patients with dementia perceive the world.
The Virtual Dementia Tour is delivered by medical training company, Training 2 Care. Taking place on a dementia simulator bus that visits the care home so that staff can be trained on site, this innovative package is the only scientifically and medically backed method of simulating what it might feel like to live with dementia.
According to research conducted by Ulster University*, the Virtual Dementia Tour training changes practice for 95% of delegates, improving their knowledge by 97% and improving outcomes for 100% of clients. Training 2 Care is the pioneer of this innovative service in the UK.
Sara Gallagher, Director of Care and Nursing at AgeCare Care Homes, said: “With approximately 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK suffering from dementia, rising to 1 in 6 for those over 80, we are very serious about our responsibilities towards residents living with this condition.
“This immersive experience allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by many of our residents.”
Training has taken place with teams from Millway House care home in Andover and Waterbeach care home in Cambridge, and participants have shared their enthusiasm for the training.
Activities lead, Sarah, said: “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 m. 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.”
Audrey, who is a nurse, said: “The bus was equipped with the necessary items and the trainer created a true and realistic experience of what it is like in a nursing home environment. The training showed me how sensory impairment can affect and impact all aspects of life. The whole experience was a great eye opener, changing my approach to the way I deliver care. I’m more patient, empathetic and have a greater and deeper understanding of what it is like to live with dementia.”
Glenn Knight, CEO at Training 2 Care, said: “The Virtual Dementia Tour is taken by over 200,000 people per year in the UK. Already commissioned by over 18 NHS Trusts, 4 HSE Trusts, care homes, nursing homes, police, prisons, ambulance services, universities, colleges, councils, corporates, families and many more, the Virtual Dementia Tour has an impact that just cannot be matched or replicated.
“Being able to see things from the patient’s point of view and not basing practice on convenience really does save money, retain staff, build bridges between the family and care giver and increase positive outcomes.”
