A Harrow care home has trialled an immersive “virtual dementia” experience designed to help carers understand the difficulties those with the disease face.

Birchwood Care Home, on Preston Hill, became the first Avery Healthcare home to pilot the innovative staff training initiative on Sunday.

The virtual dementia unit gives staff a first-hand experience of dementia. Through an interactive approach, it aims to develop better communication skills in carers dealing with dementia sufferers.

Sharon Winfield, director of operations at Avery, said: “Nothing beats walking in somebody’s shoes to truly understand their needs, and this is the closest you will get to that. It is truly inspiring.

“We pride ourselves on our continuous training and staff development, and we could immediately see that this innovative and experiential tool would really benefit our staff learning.”