A simulated dementia experience, helping people to understand what it is like to have the condition, is coming to Wirral.
Members of the public are invited to board a ‘dementia bus’ at Gordale Garden Centre on Saturday, 22 June.
Apollo Care, a local home care service provider, have sponsored the mobile simulator as part of their mission to raise awareness of dementia, which experts predict will affect more than one million Brits by 2025.
“The simulator is a scientifically and medically proven method of giving a person with a healthy brain an experience of what dementia might be like,” said Suzanne Janvier, Managing Director of Apollo Care (South Wirral).
“While the bus will be primarily used as a training tool for our staff, we also wanted to open this experience up to the public, so that they too can develop a better understanding of how dementia affects the senses, as well as a person’s ability to think and communicate.
‘By sponsoring community-based educational experiences such as this, Apollo Care hopes that those with memory loss – and their families – will feel truly seen and supported.”
The simulator, known as the Virtual Dementia Tour, was invented in the United States by Professor PK Beville. Owned by Second Wind Dreams, its use was pioneered in the UK by partners Training 2 CARE.
Using sensory tools and information, the simulator recreates feelings such as confusion, isolation, agitation and vulnerability – allowing users to experience for a few minutes what people with dementia experience every day.
“Learning to create a positive environment for those with dementia can only come from attempting to walk in their shoes,” said Glenn Knight, CEO of Training 2 CARE.
“Whether you are a family member or care provider, having a new perspective on dementia can really make the difference and create an empathetic pathway. We are delighted to partner with Apollo Care to bring this unique, hard-hitting experience to Wirral.”
Dementia Together Wirral, a charity which provides a social community for anyone affected by memory issues with or without a diagnosis, will attend the event – co-hosted by Suzanne Janvier and Hannah White, Managing Director of Apollo Care (West Wirral).
