By Jill Stocks
There were several events in Horsforth last week to mark Dementia Action Week, which ran from the 19 to 25 May.
The events were organised by Dementia Friendly Horsforth and their partner organisations.
On Thursday Home Instead hosted the Dementia Bus Event at Lister Hill Baptist Church, and members of the public were invited to take part in the virtual experience.
The experience of the bus, which was provided by Training2care, offered the opportunity to feel what it is like to live with dementia through a variety of ways designed to replicate the sensory changes for those living with the disease.
Participants wore goggles, which created narrowed and blurred vision. They also learned that the colour red is one of the last colours dementia sufferers can still see and that it is useful to use red to help them identify household items and clothing.
They were also asked to wear spiky insoles, designed to give them the experience of neuropathy, a common sensation for older people living with dementia, which can cause them to walk with a shuffling motion and increase the risk of a fall.
Gloves were provided to give those taking part the feeling of how the lack of sensation in the hands and fingers creates challenges with everyday tasks, such as getting dressed or writing.
The main points to take away from the experience were the importance of touch for people with dementia which provides comfort to them amidst a sense of chaos.
They also stressed the importance of approaching sufferers from the front so as not to startle them, and of being patient and taking time to talk to them.
The event also provided an opportunity for people to get more information and chat with people affected by dementia and their families.
Representatives from several agencies attended the event, among them the fire service, MHA Communities Horsforth, Hawksworth Older Peoples Support Service, Assisted Living, Local Neighbourhood Networks, NHS, the Aging Well Team, occupational therapists and Linking Leeds.
Tessa Andrews from Home Instead said they were pleased with the attendance at the event. Tess said: “We’ve had people come in off the street, people have seen Facebook posts, and then health professionals that’ve booked on it have brought other members of their team.
“Dementia is the fastest growing disease in the world and so we may all know someone who will be affected in some way by it. Anything we can do to raise awareness and support people to live well in our community can only be a good thing.
“The Virtual Dementia Tour offers a scientifically proven way to replicate dementia and is an invaluable learning experience for anyone who is supporting a person living with the condition.”
Home Instead provides specialist care, home care and health and complex care to help people with various medical conditions and challenges stay in their own home.
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