Residents in Tandragee and the surrounding area were given the opportunity to experience just some of the many challenges faced by people living with dementia and those who have autism.
The Virtual Dementia Tour and Autism Reality Experience mobile bus visited the town on Tuesday 13 October, as part of a Health and Wellbeing event organised by the Southern Health Trust in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council for Positive Ageing Month.
During each session on the bus, participants were given vision-distorting glasses, thick gloves, and spiky insoles while listening to loud, disorienting background noise to mimic sensory deprivation, confusion, and physical impairment.
This experience is helping more and more people understand the issues that dementia and autism can bring, and in turn, it is helping more people to adapt and improve the level of care provided.
Deputy Lord Mayor, Alderman Lavelle McIlrath who visited the Health and Wellbeing showcase which was organised as part of Positive Ageing Month, said: “This was a fantastic event, where the Southern Health Trust and ABC Council have come together to highlight the various organisations that are available to provide support to people in the community.
“It is also great to see the focus on dementia and autism, which as we know, affects so many families and this bus experience will help give people a better understanding, which is so important when it comes to providing care.”
To find out about events happening in your community during Positive Ageing Month – please visit – www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/PAM
