Immersive Dementia Training

This cutting-edge training was a life-changing experience for our Bristol Bluebirds.

Cutting-edge immersive training came to our Bristol office so our Bluebirds could experience what it's like to live with dementia. Registered Manager Claire Nolan notes, "As Bath's leader in dementia care, this training is essential. You can learn in a classroom environment and you can learn in the field, but to spend a few minutes experiencing the world through the altered senses of someone with dementia is a life-changing experience."

"To spend a few minutes experiencing the world through the altered senses of someone with dementia is a life-changing experience."

To kick off the experience, carers were met with an abrupt, dismissive trainer who talked down to them and barked orders. "I thought to myself, well she is quite rude!" said Care Assistant Olivia. "I would have reported her behaviour at the end of my training if it hadn't been explained to us that it was a part of the experience. Our trainer told us that the way she treated us is often how those with dementia are treated, which was upsetting to learn."

Care Manager Jace told us, "I was overwhelmed. The constant barrage of sounds and noise and lights... I couldn't see properly... I couldn't hear the trainer and I couldn't read the instructions. I couldn't use my hands or find what I was looking for. My feet were on fire from the painful shoe inserts. Before this training, I had no idea what it might be like just to stand up as someone with dementia!"

When the experience was over, we learned a variety of techniques to best support Bristolians with a diagnosis of dementia. They include:

• Smile! Smiling throughout your interaction, not just once or twice, can make the support we provide even more successful. 
• Approach your customer from the front - never from the back or the side.
• Touch your customer on the arm or shoulder before you speak to them to get their attention and use simple, clear language.
• Entry and exit signs to every room, including bathrooms, give those with dementia the guidance they need.
• Picture menus can help give our customers choice and understanding.
• Listen for ambient noises and remove them from their living areas; these can sound distressing to those with dementia.
• Large print photos of when a customer was young will help them to recognise themselves.
• Nothing those with dementia do is 'strange' or 'different.' 
• Dementia is a journey from diagnosis to death. We are here to help make the journey as good as it can be.
• Red is an important colour!
• Memory foam inserts can support our customers to walk more comfortably.