Staff at RMBI Care Co. Home Zetland Court, in Bournemouth, have reinforced their commitment to care for and support residents living with dementia. The Virtual Dementia Tour recently arrived at the care home for a one-off training session, in which staff members had the opportunity to get on the Dementia Bus and experience what it feels like to live with this condition. 

While on the bus, the staff wore headsets, glasses and gloves to alter their perception and be transported into the sensory experience of people living with dementia, who are often trying to function in an environment that is difficult for them to connect to. Afterwards, they attended a session where they shared their thoughts and brainstormed about how they can improve their support to the residents at the Home.

Sophie Smith, one of Zetland Court’s Activities Coordinators, went on the Dementia Bus. She said: “It’s been very emotional. When we care for the residents we support, we are on the outside. This experience gave me some insight to what is going on inside.”

The training opportunity, provided by Training2care, was made possible following a donation from the Jubilee Masters Centenary Trust. Among other charitable activities, this organisation provides financial support for staff training for older people’s care. Russell Race, Chairman of the Trustees, said: “The Trust had in mind to support RMBI Care Co. from its beginning. For us, the most important thing is that the staff receive the very best training, and we know the training of the Home’s staff in dementia care is specially relevant.”

The Virtual Dementia Tour will be arriving at RMBI Care Co. Homes across England and Wales to provide one-off dementia training sessions and strengthen the staff’s skills to care for and support their residents living with dementia