At Bluebird Care Dudley, Kidderminster & Malvern we are passionate about delivering the highest standard of home care, especially for those living with Dementia. On Tuesday at the Dudley Archives and Local History Centre, we were proud to host a Virtual Dementia Experience, organised through Training 2 Care, bringing together professionals and community members from across the Dudley Borough who share our commitment to outstanding dementia care.
The event was attended by a wide group of guests including Deputy Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Mushtaq Hussain, representatives from the Forget Me Not Ward at Russells Hall Hospital, local Admiral Nurses, a Practice nurse from Kingswinford Medical Practice and members of the Dudley Rehabilitation Service including physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists, as well as members of our own team. We were also joined by Rachel Jefferson, a SOLLA accredited financial advisor, as well as families and carers supporting loved ones living with dementia. Wiltshire Farm Foods were also with us on the day, both keeping us well fed and also demonstrating the service that they offer in providing an enormous variety of nutritious meals for their customers.
Before the session, many of us felt unsure of what to expect. What would it be like to experience dementia? Would we find it too confronting? The result was truly eye-opening.
The Virtual Dementia Experience simulated the sensory and cognitive challenges faced by people living with dementia, giving us a glimpse into the world of someone living with dementia and experiencing first hand some of the challenges that they go through every day.
Participants described the session as overwhelming, emotional, and humbling. It was an assault on the senses - confusing, frustrating, and sometimes distressing - but above all, it was highly informative.
Joanne Charlesworth of Wiltshire Farm Foods said:
“I can't explain how invaluable the experience was for me. It truly was a wonderful day, and I want to do it all over again! The knowledge I came away with was amazing, and I haven't stopped talking about it.”
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, and one in three people born today will go on to develop the condition. That’s why understanding dementia, and learning how to support those living with it, is vital for every professional and family involved in care.
Jak Wylde, Registered Care Manager, Bluebird Care Dudley, Kidderminster & Malvern reflected:
"The dementia bus experience provided a real experience of the challenges some of our customers face. As the Registered Manager, it deepened my knowledge and understanding of Dementia and walking in their shoes during the experience will re-shaped how I lead and support my team".
At Bluebird Care Dudley, Kidderminster & Malvern we are committed to leading the way in dementia care. We will be sharing this training across our team and continuing to spread what we have learned with the wider community.
If you would like to know more about our Specialist Dementia Care services, please contact our team – because it’s good to be home.