Woodlands Care Centre recently opened its doors to local health and social care professionals for a powerful and immersive dementia training event, hosting the Training 2 Care Virtual Dementia Tour as part of its ongoing commitment to the Cambridge community.
The free event welcomed 30 health and social care professionals from across the local area, offering them the opportunity to experience first-hand the sensory and cognitive challenges faced by people living with dementia. Designed to build empathy and understanding, the Virtual Dementia Tour places participants in a safe, simulated environment that mirrors the confusion, frustration and disorientation often experienced by those with the condition.
By hosting the session, Woodlands Care Centre aimed to support those working across health, social care and community services, helping to raise awareness and deepen understanding of dementia beyond traditional classroom learning. The immersive experience encourages reflection on how small changes in communication, environment and approach can make a meaningful difference to people living with dementia.
The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, many of whom highlighted how impactful the experience was in strengthening empathy and improving practice.
One attendee, Graham Saint, Men’s Health Officer at Cambridge United Foundation, also praised the experience, saying: “Just wanted to say thank you for providing the dementia experience. I found it really insightful and would certainly recommend this to colleagues at the Foundation who work with people experiencing dementia.”
Claudia, Customer Relations Manager at Woodlands Care Centre, said: “It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout from local professionals and students who are passionate about improving dementia care. The Virtual Dementia Tour is an incredibly powerful learning experience that helps people truly understand the challenges individuals living with dementia face every day. Hosting this event reflects Woodlands Care Centre’s commitment to education, awareness and supporting those who care for others within the wider community.”
Woodlands Care Centre continues to offer opportunities like this to health and social care professionals, university students and members of the community who want to deepen their understanding of dementia. By sharing knowledge and promoting empathy-led care, the home remains committed to supporting those living with dementia and the people who support them every day.
