Staff at Brook View, an Exemplar Health Care home in Liverpool, has held a training day aboard a ‘Dementia Bus’ to learn more about what it is like to live with dementia.
The initiative, which was held in partnership with dementia specialists, Dementia Experience Bus, gave colleagues the opportunity to experience the challenges someone living with dementia may typically face by completing a series of simple, daily tasks.
Colleagues working at Brook View, which support adults living with a range of complex and high acuity needs including dementia, took part in a series of 15-minute sessions – testing both their physical and sensory reactions.
The team was given woollen mittens, specialist shoes, headphones and glasses blacked out with black tape to replicate common symptoms of dementia, such as impaired hearing and pins and needles.
They were also asked to do a series of tasks like writing a shopping list, use a small bathroom and kitchen facility.
“Colleagues found the experience very thought provoking; I would recommend it to anyone working or living with someone with dementia,” said Brook View home manager Sharon Mcloughlin.
“Colleagues realised that things that seem simple for us and we take for granted, are much harder for someone living with dementia. As a result, the team is now more mindful of things like lighting, sound and personal space,” she added.
Following the success of the Dementia Bus, the home is planning on holding a follow-up training session later this summer.
