Home care provider Right at Home provided carers with an opportunity to experience what it is like to walk in the shoes of those affected by dementia in Farnham.

The unique and immersive dementia experience was organised as part of a series of activities taking place during Dementia Action Week.

Right at Home’s dementia lead Adriana Mendonca said: “We care for many people who are living with dementia; from those who have been recently diagnosed through to people who are in the more advanced stages.

“As caregivers, we have a good understanding of the day-to-day challenges they face but we wanted to share this knowledge and increase understanding in the wider community so we came up with the idea of the Dementia Experience.

“Everybody who took part was invited to wear big cushioned gloves, a weighted vest, anklet and bracelet, and goggles which obscured vision. To complete the simulation of the physical and sensory impairments commonly associated with dementia, participants wore headphones and we played continuous background noise.

“Once kitted up, we asked our guests to carry out some tasks which included laying a table for four people, making a bed, pairing up socks and drawing a picture. The challenging clothing and accessories gave people a glimpse into what it is like to live with restricted mobility, impaired vision and diminished fine motor skills.”

Adriana hopes participants took something from the activity and the understanding they gained from it, will help create a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals living with dementia.

Right at Home organised two dementia experiences. One took place at the Farnham office and the other was at the Camberley and Woking headquarters. Plans are in place to repeat the experience in the future.