A POWERFUL dementia training experience will return to the community next year.
The immersive Dementia Bus Tour will return to Northwich in 2027, following the success of the June event held at Barons Quay.
Led by Home Instead Northwich and Knutsford in collaboration with Northwich Town Council and The Rotary in Northwich, the Virtual Dementia Tour offered visitors a first-hand look at the everyday challenges faced by those living with dementia.
Participants wore sensory equipment that temporarily altered their vision, hearing, mobility and dexterity while performing routine activities, simulating the physical and cognitive effects of dementia.
Clare Marks, care manager at Home Instead, said: "It’s an incredibly moving experience.
"Even just a few minutes inside the bus can completely shift how you understand dementia.
"It helps carers, families and the wider community develop more patience, compassion, and better ways to support people affected by it."
The training left a strong impression on attendees, including healthcare professionals.
District nurse Andrea Sayle said: "It really was an eye-opener.
"It’s made me think completely differently in the way that I interact with people with dementia – simple things like touching a person on the shoulder to get their attention before speaking with them or adapting the environment to make it less noisy."
Cllr Robert Cernik, Northwich town mayor, also spent time on the Dementia Bus.
He said: "I found the training experience moving and the subsequent debrief a real eye opener.
"I will certainly try to change my behaviour in communicating with dementia suffers in the future.
"I never realised how many small changes in approach can help people so much."
The event was delivered in partnership with Training2Care, with special thanks given to Barons Quay for providing the venue.
In addition to council support, Home Instead Northwich and Knutsford continues to offer specialist, relationship-led dementia care in the community to help clients remain at home for as long as possible.
Recent research by the company found that 84 per cent of people believe more should be done to educate families about dementia, underlining the value of public initiatives like the Virtual Dementia Tour.
Following the success of the events so far, Northwich Town Council has announced it will be funding another experience in 2027.
The event will provide more members of the community, local organisations and healthcare professionals with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of what it can feel like to live with dementia.
Further details, including the date and location, will be shared closer to the time.
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