Dementia Awareness Event: An Eye-Opening Experience
- Jan 23
- 3 min read
Yesterday, Newry and Mourne Community Transport had the pleasure of attending a powerful and thought-provoking Dementia Awareness event. The day offered valuable insight into both what it is like to care for someone living with dementia and, just as importantly, what it can feel like to experience dementia yourself.
We were there to speak with attendees about the transport services we provide and how we can support people living with dementia and their carers to stay connected and independent. Whether it is getting to a medical appointment or simply getting out for the day, we are here to help people remain active and engaged in their community. It was an absolute pleasure to meet so many fantastic people and to hear their stories.
One of the most impactful parts of the event was a sensory experience designed to simulate what living with dementia can feel like. We were brought into a room and equipped with specialist gear that altered our senses. Rubber pads placed in our shoes created a constant pins and needles sensation. Thick gloves reduced our sense of touch. Specially painted glasses restricted our vision to mimic tunnel vision. Headphones played multiple overlapping conversations, demonstrating how people with dementia can lose the ability to filter background noise and instead hear everything at once.
Once fully equipped, we entered a dark room with flashing lights and were given simple tasks to complete. I was asked to write a letter to my “family”, but with every sense overwhelmed, this became incredibly difficult. Our tour guide, known as Slim Shaddy, attempted to guide us through the experience. At the time, it felt as though we were being pushed or rushed, but this was revealed to be intentional. It highlighted how a gentle nudge or guidance can feel aggressive or frightening to someone living with dementia.
The experience was frightening, but also incredibly valuable. It offered a brief yet powerful glimpse into the daily challenges faced by those living with this disease. It was eye-opening and deeply moving.
We also had the opportunity to speak with many people who attended the event, several of whom were there because someone close to them has been affected by dementia. Many shared how meaningful the experience was for them. While they know dementia is an incredibly difficult condition, being able to step into the shoes of someone living with it helped them better understand the confusion, fear and frustration their loved ones may feel. As one attendee said, “We didn’t realise how hard it is to live like that.”
A Powerful Film to Watch
This short film, Hear Our Voice, was created by the Southern and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts in partnership with Dementia NI. It shares the real voices and experiences of people living with dementia, helping to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes and encourage understanding.
It is a fantastic watch and well worth a few minutes of your time if you want to deepen your understanding of what life can be like for someone living with dementia.
To summarise, the event was extraordinary and truly eye-opening. Alongside the sensory experience, there were excellent speakers who offered guidance, advice and reassurance to carers. We are grateful to have attended and to have learned so much.
At Newry and Mourne Community Transport, we remain committed to supporting people living with dementia and their carers, helping them stay mobile, independent and connected to their community.
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