Experiencing Dementia First-Hand: Our Dementia Bus Day at Barons Quay
A community immersion into life with dementia
On Wednesday, 13th August, Home Instead Northwich & Knutsford hosted the Dementia Bus Experience at Barons Quay in Northwich. Delivered by Training 2 Care, the immersive session provided a powerful opportunity for attendees to step into the shoes of someone living with dementia.
Over 30 local professionals, community partners, and family members joined us across two sessions. Each participant experienced first-hand the sensory and cognitive challenges faced daily by those living with dementia — from confusion and sensory overload to the frustrations of simple tasks becoming overwhelming.
The feedback we received was both moving and inspiring:
“I learnt more about dementia in that one hour than I had in three years of caring for a loved one.”
“It was the most eye-opening experience — so thought-provoking and emotional. Every family carer should have the opportunity to try this.”
“The reality of living with dementia was vividly exposed. It’s nothing like what I expected, and it’s changed how I think about care.”
Julie Macdonald, Northwich Town Mayor, said: “The information was insightful, and I know what to look out for in the future.”
Nicola Foggarty, a dementia support worker for AGE UK said “I’ve never actually experienced it and that was what the dementia bus allowed me to do. -It’s given me a better understanding of what it’s like to live with dementia.”
Strengthening dementia understanding
After the immersive bus experience, attendees came together for a group debrief, where reflections and insights were shared. Many spoke about how the training would transform not only their approach to dementia care but also the way they interact with loved ones and clients in the community.
The impact of the day was also recognised across the local media. The event was featured in the Northwich Guardian,Chester Standard, and the Cheshire Times,all of which helped raise awareness of the importance of dementia understanding and highlighted the difference experiences like this can make to families, carers, and professionals alike.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Training 2 Care for delivering such a powerful programme, and to everyone who attended for engaging so openly.
Events like these strengthen our shared mission: to create a more dementia-friendly community and ensure those living with dementia are supported with dignity, empathy, and respect. We hope we can build a community where understanding dementia is the first step toward better care and connection.
If you think you or a loved one may need extra support in your home, then you’re not alone. Please reach out to us at Home Instead Northwich and Knutsford by visiting our website here or calling us on 01606 800101 to enquire about our services including our specialised dementia support.