Home Instead gives Mayo workers unique training opportunity

Home Instead CAREGivers across Mayo stepped into the shoes of those living with dementia last week as part of Dementia Month.

Home Instead’s immersive dementia bus provided participants with a highly visual and aural experience, and the opportunity to see, feel, and hear what the world can be like for a person living with dementia. 

Frances Maloney, General Manager at Home Instead Mayo said: “During Dementia Month we are giving CAREGivers access to City and Guilds Accredited dementia training, and they are also being trained to understand how different activities can be used to engage with those living with dementia.” 

_{Home Instead’s Dementia Bus}

As well as the training, the experience allows CAREGivers to further employee’s understanding of how their clients feel.

Those who undergo the experience begin by gearing up with goggles, headphones and spiky insoles. They’re then asked to perform various tasks, but with a twist. 

Distorted vision, loud noises and sensory overload all recreate what it’s like to have dementia. 

One CAREGiver called it the ‘best training experience’ they have ever had. 

Another deeming it ‘a wonderful experience’ with ‘great insight into what [their] clients experience on a daily basis’.

For more information on Home Instead's dementia care services or to learn how to become a Professional CAREGiver, see their website or call 094 904 4785.