Bupa leaders experience world of dementia

Bupa’s senior leadership team have taken part in an innovative Virtual Reality dementia training programme that simulates the life of people living with the condition.

Managing director Joan Elliott and her senior leadership team and colleagues undertook the experience, which was run by Training2Care from its travelling classroom at Bupa’s new office in Salford Quays.

Aileen Waton, Head of Dementia for Bupa Care Homes, said: “Bupa has a long history in dementia care but, even for someone in my position, this has been both useful and humbling. By experiencing the impacts of dementia first-hand we can be even closer to our residents and make sure that we’re able to support them in the best way possible.  There’s no reason why people can’t live well with dementia, and this training has helped us get a better understanding of supporting our residents.”

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The session involved wearing glasses that mimic the effects of macular degeneration and peripheral vision loss, while also using audio and physical aids to help mimic the way that dementia affects other senses.

Bupa research has found that over a quarter of Brits (28%) don’t feel they know enough about dementia. Meanwhile, two fifths (38%) would not know what changes they could make to minimise stress for someone with dementia.

In addition to training the senior team, the workshop has also visited a number of Bupa’s care homes specialising in dementia care, as well as Richmond Village sites.

Glenn Knight, Managing Director for Training2Care, added: “It’s always great to give people a better insight into dementia, but it’s even better when you know that the training will be passed on to benefit the lives of others.  The team at Bupa were really engaged, I’m confident that it’ll have a real impact on the lives of people with dementia as a result.”