People in Norfolk can find out what it’s like to live with dementia as experience bus visits towns
A dementia experience bus is in Norfolk this week to help people better understand the condition
Norfolk residents can gain insight into the experience of living with dementia through a special bus visiting five towns across the county. The tour starts today (Monday 6th July) in King's Lynn and is concluding on Friday 10th July in Norwich.
The initiative, hosted by Norfolk County Council, aims to deepen public understanding of the communication and care needs of people living with dementia.
The experience takes place in an ambulance-sized bus and lasts approximately 15 minutes.
It is open to anyone caring for someone with dementia or anyone looking to gain a deeper insight into the challenges faced by individuals living with the condition.
Organiser say this operation is important, as approximately 14,800 to 15,100 people aged 65 and over are formally registered with a dementia diagnosis across Norfolk.
North Norfolk ranks as the third highest constituency for dementia prevalence in the UK, with 24 people per 1,000 affected, and these figures are set to grow.
Experts say that as Norfolk's population continues to age, the number of people living with dementia is expected to double by 2040.
Chris Scott, Director of Strategic Commissioning and Market Development at Norfolk County Council, emphasised the importance of understanding dementia:
"With one in three of us projected to be affected by dementia in our lifetime, understanding the care and communication needs of those living with the disease is vital to how we continue to effectively care and advocate for them," Scott said.
The Virtual Dementia Bus will be stationed at:
King's Lynn Market Place on 6th July
Thetford Market Place on 7th July
Great Yarmouth Market Place on 8th July
North Walsham Market Place on 9th July
Norwich Forum on 10th July