Signature at Hornchurch, the newest luxury care home from Signature Senior Lifestyle, which opens later this month, recently welcomed local healthcare professionals and community representatives to a unique ‘dementia immersion’ event designed to deepen understanding of the daily realities faced by people living with dementia.
The immersive training experience brought together attendees from local organisations, including St Francis Hospice, the Community Urgent Response Nursing Team from NHS North East London and a local security company.
The event was inspired by increasing conversations with families and community members who were feeling unsure about how best to support loved ones living with dementia and frustrated by the lack of practical support resources available. After consulting with local groups, the team at Signature at Hornchurch developed the dementia inclusion training session to provide a powerful first-hand insight into the condition.
Through a series of sensory-based activities, participants experienced some of the physical, emotional and cognitive challenges that people with dementia can face every day. One exercise involved walking in shoes filled with baking beads to simulate the discomfort and nerve sensations that can affect mobility, while other activities recreated feelings of confusion, sensory overload and disorientation.
Participants described a wide range of emotions throughout the session, from frustration at losing the ability to complete ‘every day’ tasks, to fear, sadness and empathy.
Sian Oakes, Dementia Care Manager at Signature at Hornchurch, said:
“We wanted to help people better understand dementia from the perspective of those living with it. Families, professionals and members of the community often want to support someone with dementia but can find it difficult to understand the experiences of their loved one. By creating a fully immersive environment, participants gain valuable insight into some of the real challenges and emotions people face every day and leave with greater empathy, patience and understanding.”
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Every participant told us how valuable they found the experience, and many have already asked whether they can recommend future sessions to colleagues and other departments. We are delighted to be planning more Dementia Immersion events in the future.”
One attendee said:
“This was an incredible event and I can’t believe how much it moved me. I thought I understood dementia beforehand – I have a lot to take away from this event”.
Ahead of its official opening, Signature at Hornchurch will be hosting an Open Day for the local community on Saturday 13 June from 10 am to 4 pm.
The event will offer visitors an exclusive preview of the new home, including the opportunity to explore the amenities, show suites, enjoy refreshments crafted by the home’s chef who is formally of The Ritz Hotel, meet members of the team and take part in guided tours running throughout the day.
For more information about Signature at Hornchurch and upcoming events, please contact the home directly on 01708 917976 or visit their website: https://www.signature-care-homes.co.uk/our-homes-list/hornchurch/.
