Helping Our Community Better Understand Dementia
Local residents, care professionals and Farnham’s Mayor and Mayoress took part in an immersive morning designed to build understanding of dementia.
Published: 02/11/2026
Raising Awareness of Dementia In Our Community
On Thursday, 8 October, we welcomed over 14 local residents, alongside the Mayor and Mayoress of Farnham, to The White Barn in Runfold St George for our Dementia Experience Open Morning. The event was a great opportunity to bring our local community together, raise awareness of dementia and help people better understand the challenges that someone living with the condition may face in everyday life.
The morning began with a dementia awareness presentation led by our Managing Director and Owner, Alastair Shanks, who is also a Trustee of Dementia Adventure. Having delivered training to over 1,000 Dementia Friends across the local community, Alastair shared his knowledge and experience, highlighting the importance of understanding dementia and approaching those living with the condition with patience, compassion and respect.
Dementia can affect people in different ways, influencing their memory, communication, confidence and ability to carry out familiar tasks. Learning more about these challenges can help us become more understanding and better equipped to support those around us.
;)
Experiencing Everyday Life With Dementia
Following the presentation, our Dementia Lead, Adriana Mendonca, guided attendees through an immersive dementia simulation. Using adapted clothing and specialist equipment, including weighted vests and blurred glasses, participants experienced simulated sensory and physical challenges while attempting everyday household tasks, such as making a bed and folding laundry.
Activities that might usually feel simple became more challenging, offering a different perspective on how dementia can affect daily life. The experience encouraged attendees to consider how frustrating or overwhelming familiar tasks might become and why a little extra time, reassurance and understanding can make such a difference.
At Right at Home Guildford & Farnham, we believe that understanding each person's individual needs is an important part of providing compassionate, person-centred care. Experiences like this help bring that message to life.
;)
"Understanding dementia goes far beyond recognising symptoms in a textbook; it requires genuine empathy and stepping directly into the perspective of those living with the condition. Having the Mayor and Mayoress of Farnham join us alongside local residents made this a truly special morning for raising community awareness."
– Alastair Shanks | Managing Director, Right at Home Guildford & Farnham
We understand how important it is for people living with dementia to feel safe, comfortable and supported in their own homes. Our personalised homecare can help individuals maintain familiar routines, enjoy meaningful activities and retain as much independence as possible, while also providing reassurance to their families.
If you would like to find out more about dementia care at home or the support available to families across Guildford and Farnham, then our friendly team is here to help.