Quality care for people living with dementia begins
with caregivers who are sensitive, patient and
kind.
The 'Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT)' training'
is a scientifically proven method of helping
others understand what people with dementia
experience every day and is a 'window into their
world'. The attendees experience at first hand the
physical and mental challenges facing those with
dementia.
During the VDT training, the participants have all their senses altered. Their environment
becomes blurred and difficult to navigate through with sensory overload and unhelpful
interactions from others. Trying to do even the most simplistic of tasks can become arduous and
deflating.
In a relatively short space of time, 2½ hours, participants are left with an experience that they
often report will change how they practice when working with people with dementia in the
future!
In 2017, 304 staff experienced the training and the impact was 'so powerful' in 2018 we moved
heaven and earth to get the bus back again. This time we went bigger and broader!
We offered the training for 'all' service users and staff across the South Eastern HSC Trust
area. A local school participated and we partnered with our colleagues in the Prison Services
regionally. Altogether we managed to facilitate a further 904 virtual experiences!
Dementia Virtual Tour
Primary Care and Older People
19
Excellent
Attendees
rating
96%
The experience proved to be extremely valuable with 96% of attendees rating it as excellent!
Overall did the tour meet your expected learning outcomes?
Definitely Achieved 93% Achieved 6%
Did the tour reinforce and increase your level of knowledge?
Definitely Achieved 95% Achieved 4%
Overall, how would you rate the tour?
Excellent 96% Good 3%
Additional comments included:
• "This was excellent and gave me a good overview, and now able to care for clients
better. It was amazing!"
• "Everybody needs to do this. One of the best training courses I have ever been on".
• "Needed to understand more about dementia. This was achieved".
Confucius said: "I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand".
This style of training is obviously meeting the needs of so many and we are off to an excellent
start with further training planned for the future.