Westgate Healthcare Hosts Dementia Vehicle Tour During Dementia Action Week

In support of Dementia Action Week, Westgate Healthcare proudly opened its doors to family members, local community connections, and care team members, offering them a powerful and immersive insight into life with dementia through the Dementia Vehicle Tour. The experiential training, delivered by Training2Care, visited three of Westgate Healthcare’s homes, Burford House, St Pauls Care Centre, and Meadowhill Care Home. The initiative formed part of the group’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness, fostering empathy, and enhancing dementia care practices across its services. Recognising the Early Signs of Dementia Public awareness and education are vital components in addressing dementia. Recognising early warning signs such as memory loss, increased aggression, paranoia, clumsiness, financial difficulties, speech issues, disorientation, excessive daytime sleeping, and neglect of personal hygiene can lead to earlier consultations and interventions. Participants were taken on a sensory journey inside the specially designed Dementia Training Vehicle, simulating some of the challenges individuals living with dementia face daily, such as confusion, sensory overload, and communication barriers. The experience proved to be both emotional and enlightening for all who took part. “With the virtual stimulation it really made me feel more aware of how people living with Dementia may feel. I feel I have taken away valuable learnings and experience from this.” one family member shared. Another participant commented, “I had the opportunity to use the mobile dementia simulator, which Burford House had organised. I highly recommend it; it was an emotional but enlightening experience. It's one of the things that everyone should have the opportunity to do.” Westgate Healthcare's Approach to Dementia Care Westgate Healthcare believes that building a dementia-friendly community starts with understanding, education, and compassion. By inviting families, local residents, and staff to step into the shoes of someone living with dementia, the group continues to demonstrate its dedication to truly person-centred care. At Westgate Healthcare, every one of our dementia care areas has been designed with safety, security, and stability in mind so we can offer the highest standard of care without restrictions. We focus on creating a homely, comfortable setting filled with friendly team members and home-cooked food, and provide sensory gardens, circular pathways, and multisensory rooms, as well as stimulating companionship, to keep everyone happy, busy, and entertained. “We’re proud to be able to offer opportunities like this that make such a meaningful impact,” Sarah Williams, Head of Sales and Marketing. “Supporting people with dementia goes beyond care – it’s about empathy, awareness, and walking alongside them every step of the way.”

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