Midlands Home Care Service Hosts Virtual Dementia Tour

Wednesday, 18 February 2026 08:58

The events are coming to midlands shopping centres this week.

A Midlands home care service is hosting free educational events for the public this week.

The Virtual Dementia Tour previously toured the country last September as part of a nationwide campaign by Dovida.

Following on from the success of that tour and to meet the high demand for the experience, it’s back in the region to give family carers, caregivers, or anyone with an interest in understanding more about dementia an insight into people’s experience of the condition.

Those interested in taking part in the experience are invited to drop in any time at a location nearest to them:

• February 18:10am - 4pm – Golden Island Shopping Centre, Athlone

• February 19:10am - 4pm – Bridge Shopping Centre, Tullamore

• February 20:10am - 4pm – Market Square, Mullingar

An immersive experience “This is a uniquely immersive experience which allows people to walk in the shoes of a person living with dementia,” Lorraine McLaughlin, General Manager of Dovida Midlands, said.

The state-of-the-art mobile experience uses technology to replicate the sensory changes associated with dementia. Participants wear goggles, headphones, and spiky insoles.

They are then asked to perform everyday tasks, but with distorted vision, loud noises, and sensory overload, which recreate what it’s like to have dementia.

“There are currently over 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland, and that number is projected to double by 2045. It’s crucial that as many people as possible gain a better understanding of the condition, so we can empathise with what people are going through,” Lorraine added.

Complementing existing training The Virtual Dementia Tour initiative adds to Dovida’s existing caregiver training and contributes to a more holistic approach to caring for people with the condition.

Dovida offers accredited City & Guilds dementia care training through its Home Care Professionals Academy. This research-based training course puts the person’s dignity first and teaches practical skills to support people living with dementia.

“As well as the practical element of home care, the emotional and companionship elements are also hugely important. Initiatives such as the Virtual Dementia Tour help us to build on our current training and empower our caregivers to deliver the best possible care and support to our clients,” Lorraine concluded.