The Dementia Experience
"Walk a mile in their shoes, and transform the care you give."
A full-day immersive simulation workshop that gives your care team a genuine, visceral understanding of what it feels like to live with dementia, and the practical skills to respond with compassion, confidence, and competence.
Mapped to the Dementia Training Standards Framework (2026) | Aligned to Tier 2 (direct care roles) and Tier 3 (leaders and specialists) learning outcomes
Why Immersive Simulation Changes Everything
Traditional dementia training tells staff what to do. The Dementia Experience shows them how it feels. That difference is everything.
See Through Their Eyes
Staff wear specialist simulation glasses designed to replicate a blend of the perceptual changes that can occur in dementia, including altered contrast, depth perception, and visual processing, alongside the age-related sensory impairment that many residents experience simultaneously. It is a powerful window into why familiar environments can suddenly feel confusing and threatening.
Hear What They Hear
Auditory simulation recreates the confusion of competing sounds, muffled speech, and auditory overload. Dementia can affect how the brain interprets what is heard, and when combined with age-related hearing loss, a busy dining room can become genuinely overwhelming. Staff leave with a real appreciation of why calm, quiet environments matter so much.
Feel What They Feel
Tactile gloves and mobility aids give staff a first-hand experience of reduced dexterity and restricted movement, reflecting the physical challenges that frequently accompany dementia and frailty in older age. Struggling with buttons, cutlery, and everyday objects in an unfamiliar way builds empathy that no lecture can replicate.
Build Genuine Empathy
Research shows that immersive simulation training can meaningfully improve empathy, dementia knowledge, and care confidence in staff. This is not a lecture; it is a lived experience designed to shift perspective and transform the way your team approaches every interaction, supported by expert facilitation and structured debrief.
Transform Communication
Staff learn the Positive Physical Approach: approaching from the front, at eye level, with slower movements, and the critical importance of 'the pause' before reacting. Communication works best in calm, well-lit environments, and staff leave understanding exactly why, and how to create those conditions every day.
Reframe Behaviour as Communication
Every 'difficult' behaviour is an expression of an unmet need. Staff leave equipped to decode these expressions, whether pain, hunger, or environmental overstimulation, and respond with compassion rather than frustration. We also explore the Mental Capacity Act principles to ensure care remains person-centred and least restrictive.
How the Day is Structured
Each 90-minute session is for up to 10 people and follows the same format: 45 minutes of immersive simulation followed by a 45-minute expert-led debrief.
Session 1 — Interactive Experience
Immersive SimulationUp to 10 participants rotate through immersive simulation stations wearing specialist equipment that replicates the perceptual, auditory, and tactile challenges of living with dementia. A powerful, unforgettable 45 minutes.
Session 1 — Structured Debrief
A facilitated group reflection exploring what participants felt, saw, and heard during the simulation. Expert-led discussion translating the experience into practical, compassionate care skills.
Session 2 — Interactive Experience
Immersive SimulationThe next group of up to 10 participants complete the same immersive simulation, ensuring every team member has an equal, meaningful experience.
Session 2 — Structured Debrief
Facilitated debrief for the second group, drawing out key learning and building shared language and understanding across the whole team.
Choose a Date & Book
Select an available date, choose your session type, and pay securely online. No phone calls needed — just pick, book, and we'll be in touch within 24 hours.
April 2026
Gold dot = Family Carer Webinar (£25 · monthly · select that course to book)
Select Your Course
Session Times
← Select an available date from the calendar
Secure payment via Stripe · Travel included · No hidden extras
One booking per day — any course can be booked on any available date.
Once payment is confirmed, Kerry will contact you within 24 hours with your booking details and joining instructions.
FULL = sold out · B/H = bank holiday
Booking Terms & Conditions
Payment
Full payment is required at the time of booking. No date will be held without payment. Payment is processed securely through Google Calendar at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that care homes face unpredictable staffing pressures. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair to both parties. Cancellations made with 14 or more days' notice will receive a full refund or free rescheduling. Cancellations made between 7 and 13 days' notice will be offered one free rescheduling to an alternative date. Cancellations made with less than 7 days' notice will forfeit the full fee, though we will always endeavour to rearrange where circumstances allow.
Travel
Travel is included in the price. All prices are all-inclusive — there are no additional travel charges. We deliver throughout the UK.
Regulatory Note
As an educational training provider, Outstanding Dementia Care does not provide personal care directly to residents and therefore does not require registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Our training is delivered in accordance with current dementia care best practice, the Dementia Training Standards Framework (2026), and evidence-based guidelines.
Ready to Transform Your Team?
Give your care staff the gift of understanding. Select a date above, choose your session type, and pay securely online. Kerry will confirm your booking within 24 hours.