On 21st January, staff at Loganberry Lodge Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, recently took part in a groundbreaking training experience designed to deepen their understanding of dementia and improve the quality of care for residents. The Virtual Dementia Tour, provided by Essex County Quality Innovation Department, also known as the Dementia Bus, visited the home, offering an interactive and immersive experience that simulated the challenges faced by individuals living with dementia.
Organised by Lifestyle Coordinators and Dementia Champions, Charley and Sam, the initiative provided care staff with a first-hand perspective on the daily struggles that residents with dementia may encounter. Staff were guided through a series of carefully designed sensory disruptions, including flashing lights, overlapping sounds, and vision-distorting glasses, all aimed at mimicking the confusion and disorientation often experienced by those with dementia.
The training was conducted in small groups, with staff first receiving a briefing on what to expect. After experiencing the simulation in groups of two to three, they reconvened for a discussion on how the experience impacted them and how they could implement changes to better support residents. The interactive nature of the tour allowed participants to step into the shoes of those they care for, fostering a deeper sense of empathy and insight.
“This experience has significantly enhanced our team’s understanding of dementia and its impact on daily life,” said Charley and Sam. “By walking in the shoes of a person with dementia, our staff now have a greater awareness of the challenges residents face and how we can adapt our approach to provide even better support.”
Several staff members reflected on the experience, noting how it had given them a new perspective on how small environmental and procedural changes can greatly improve the well-being of residents. The training reinforced the importance of creating a dementia-friendly environment that prioritises clarity, comfort, and security.
The Virtual Dementia Tour has proven to be an invaluable tool in advancing care quality at Loganberry Lodge. By fostering a greater understanding of the lived experiences of those with dementia, the home continues its commitment to providing compassionate, person-centred care that enhances residents’ quality of life.
For more information about the wonderful activities at Loganberry Lodge, please visit their Facebook page: Loganberry Lodge Care Home – Care Homes UK | Dementia, Residential & Nursing Care | Runwood Homes
