What is is really like to live with dementia? The team at Grasmere Care Home had a first-hand, immersive experience.

Grasmere Care Home ran its very first immersive dementia training session in July. Staff experienced some of the sensory and physical challenges associated with dementia. They had to complete a series of activities while wearing vision-impairing goggles, listening to loud background noise while wearing ear defenders to muffle voices, while also wearing gloves. They even had gravel placed in their shoes to create physical discomfort and distraction.

All of this was to simulate some of the sensory and physical challenges that a person living with dementia may experience while completing simple tasks.

The training session was powerful and the feedback was incredibly moving. Many staff shared that they felt anxious, overwhelmed, frustrated, and even panicked while trying to complete the activities. It was a real eye-opener and helped them gain a deeper understanding of how confusing and exhausting everyday situations can feel for someone living with dementia.

Grasmere Care Home is proudly part of the Southcare Homes Group, and one of our key company values is empathy. This new method of training allowed us to further develop this incredible quality. By building empathy and understanding, it helps our care professionals adapt their approach, improve communication, reduce distress, and provide more compassionate, person-led care.

A huge thank you to everyone at Grasmere Care Home for embracing the experience with such openness and enthusiasm. Together, we’re making a real difference in dementia care.