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The Southern Health and Social Care Trust is using simulation-based training to help staff better understand the daily experience of people living with dementia. The programme places healthcare workers in scenarios designed to reflect the sensory, cognitive and physical challenges associated with the condition.
Participants wear audio headsets with noise distortion, visual impairment glasses, restrictive gloves and shoe inserts to experience first-hand how everyday environments can become difficult to navigate. The focus is on building empathy, improving communication and enhancing care for people living with dementia in both hospital and community settings.
better understand the lived experience of people living with dementia and the
importance of compassionate, person centred care.
Peter Alexander, a service user living with dementia who observed the training, said the approach offered something that conventional training could not. "Seeing staff experience what it's like for people like me living with dementia every day gives a completely different perspective. It helps people understand that simple things can be much harder than they appear, and how much the right support really matters."
Consultant Dr Elaine Nelson, who helped design and deliver the programme, said it was about developing greater understanding and compassion. "Living with dementia can be frightening, frustrating and exhausting, not just for the person themselves, but also for their families and carers. This training gives our staff the chance to experience, even briefly, some of the challenges faced by people living with dementia."
Dr Nelson outlined what the training involves in practice. "Participants wear equipment that affects their hearing, vision and movement, helping them better understand the impact dementia can have on communication, confidence and independence. Afterwards, during a debrief, we take time to reflect on how the simulation made participants feel and discuss how small changes can improve the care environment. This helps staff see how practical adjustments can make a real difference for people living with dementia."
Debbie Burns, Director of Operations with the Trust, said the initiative was becoming increasingly important given demographic trends. "Northern Ireland's population is ageing rapidly, and we are already seeing this reflected in our services. The number of people living with dementia is expected to increase significantly in the years ahead."
Burns said investment in this type of training was essential to meeting growing demand. "As demand grows, it is essential that we continue to invest in training that supports staff to deliver compassionate, person-centred care. Simulation-based training is a key part of how we are preparing our workforce to better understand people's experiences, improve care, and support people to live well with dementia, in line with our Vision and Strategy 2030."
