Did you see this bus in Kilkenny? It was here for a very special reason!

The 'Dementia Bus' rolled into Kikenny on Wednesday and Thursday (April 9-10) at St Gabriel’s Ward, located on the grounds of St Canice’s Hospital.

The bus includes specialised equipment that allows users to better understand the complexities of dementia, through the use of a virtual reality headset as a centerpiece.

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By wearing the specialised equipment, cognitive and sensory impairments associated with dementia are simulated for the participants.

It is designed as a first-hand and practical contemplation of the difficulties individuals with dementia face, including disorientation, confusion, and memory loss.

An eight minute immersive experience is followed by a 75 minute comprehensive training session.

Speaking at the event was Sinéad Long (Senior Occupational Therapist, Psychiatry of Later Life Team, HSE), who works with those who have dementia and who may experience challenges with sensory integration and processing, impacting emotions, daily functioning, and how those with dementia experience the world around them. 

"This can sometimes lead to challenging behaviours often seen in people with dementia," she said.

"The virtual dementia tour is a sensory distortion programme designed to provide a greater understanding and insight into some of the behaviours, emotions and needs of those that live with dementia. 

"Empathetic care and learning how to create a positive environment for those with dementia is aided by this opportunity to walk in their shoes, to experience for a few minutes what they experience every day.

"This has the ability to promote care standards, which in turn may lead to less distressing situations for the person experiencing the effects of dementia, and thereby improve the way they are cared for in our mental health and other healthcare services."

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BACKGROUND

Colleagues from across HSE disciplines have participated in a virtual dementia training programme, in which participants are enabled to simulate the cognitive and sensory impairments associated with dementia.

Initially developed in the US, the virtual dementia experience is provided throughout the UK and Ireland by Training 2 Care (a British based company) with the aid of an especially modified bus.

Two days of training for HSE staff and some carers of relatives of service users experiencing dementia was organised by the Occupational Therapy Department of the Psychiatry of Later Life team and the Multidisciplinary in St Gabriel’s Ward, Kilkenny.

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