A home care company is bringing a virtual dementia experience to Hagley to give partners an idea of what it is like to live with the condition.

Home Instead, which has offices in Stourbridge, Hagley and Halesowen, is offering the unique experience as a way to educate the community on dementia, and provide advice on supporting those who live with the condition.

Peter Bath, co-owner of the company, said: "As well as raising awareness of dementia, the event aims to educate people about the condition, whilst arming our partners and leaders in the community with much-needed advice on how to support people living with dementia."

On Tuesday (September 10) 36 partners and community leaders are set to attend the Virtual Dementia Experience at the company's offices.

The event will take place in three separate groups at 9.15am, 12am, and 14.45pm.

Attendees will include the Mayor for Dudley, Councillor Hilary Bills, and Cat Eccles, MP for Stourbridge.

Mr Bath elaborated on the the virtual experience, describing it as "immersive".

He said: "It offers a unique opportunity to experience dementia – aspects such as sensory overload and difficulty with fine motor skills are brought to life.

"It is invaluable to learn from this first-person experience which we can pass on to our care professionals who support people who live with dementia every day."

Backed by medical research, the event will use a virtual dementia bus to replicate sensory changes experienced by those with the condition.

Participants will don goggles, headphones, and spiky insoles and attempt to perform everyday tasks, mimicking the sensory overload and distorted vision those with dementia face day to day.

For more information on the company's services or the Virtual Dementia Tour, the company can be reached at 01562 885589.