Gaining a Greater Understanding of Life with Dementia: Our Visit to the Dementia Bus Experience

Gaining a Greater Understanding of Life with Dementia: Our Visit to the Dementia Bus Experience

Carly Colclough, Director, and Holly Docherty, Business Development Manager, attended the Dementia Bus Experience this week hosted by Bluebird Care. It was an incredibly thought-provoking and enlightening afternoon that gave us a powerful insight into what it can feel like to live with dementia.

The immersive experience was designed to simulate the sensory and physical challenges many people with dementia face every day. Wearing specially adapted equipment, we experienced distorted vision through simulation glasses, disorientating sounds through headphones, reduced dexterity with restrictive gloves, and sharp spikes in our shoes to mimic the discomfort and mobility issues associated with other health conditions.

While wearing the equipment, we were asked to complete everyday tasks such as writing a note and putting on a shirt. What should have taken only moments became incredibly difficult. Just three minutes in the simulation felt far longer, highlighting how frustrating, exhausting and overwhelming everyday life can become for someone living with dementia.

Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

One of the most valuable parts of the session was learning practical ways to communicate and support people living with dementia. Although the changes seem simple, they can have a significant impact on someone's comfort, confidence and wellbeing.

Some of the key takeaways included:

  • Approach someone from the front rather than the side, as reduced peripheral vision can make unexpected movements startling.
  • A gentle touch on the shoulder can help gain attention and encourage focus before beginning a conversation.
  • Use a person's first name where appropriate, as surnames and identities associated with different stages of life may become confusing.
  • Choose plain, pastel colours for furnishings and household items. Dark colours can appear like holes in the floor, while busy patterns can be confusing or distressing.
  • Be mindful of hot appliances, kettles and radiators, as changes in sensation can mean someone may not realise they are burning themselves.

These practical tips reinforced just how important understanding, patience and empathy are when supporting someone living with dementia.

The Importance of Lasting Powers of Attorney

One message was emphasised from the very beginning of the session to attendees, families and carers alike: put Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) in place as early as possible.

An LPA allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf should you lose the mental capacity to do so in the future. Having these documents prepared early helps ensure decisions about finances, health and welfare remain in line with your wishes and can save families from significant stress and uncertainty at an already difficult time.

Without an LPA, loved ones may have to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to make decisions, which can be a lengthy, costly and emotionally challenging process.

Supporting Families with Understanding and Compassion

At our firm, we are committed to providing tailored legal advice and support to every client and their family with empathy, dignity and understanding.

Events such as the Dementia Bus Experience help us deepen our understanding of the daily realities faced by people living with dementia, allowing us to provide an even more compassionate service. This insight is particularly valuable as we regularly advise clients and families on planning for the future and, in some cases, act as professional attorneys on behalf of clients. Having a greater appreciation of the challenges they face enables us to carry out that responsibility with the care and sensitivity it deserves.

We would like to thank Bluebird Care for delivering such an impactful and memorable experience. It has strengthened our commitment to supporting those living with dementia and their families, both through practical legal advice and through a deeper understanding of their lived experiences.

Planning Ahead

If you or a loved one have not yet put Lasting Powers of Attorney in place, now is the right time to start the conversation. Planning ahead while you have capacity ensures your wishes are known and gives those closest to you the legal authority to support you if it ever becomes necessary.

Our experienced Wills & Probate team is here to guide you through the process with clear, compassionate advice tailored to your individual circumstances. If you would like to discuss Lasting Powers of Attorney or any aspect of future planning, please get in touch with our team today.