Care Week, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Show, and The Accessibility Show
At Morris Healthcare Group, we all share the same passion for care, continuous learning, and making meaningful improvements. So, when the opportunity arose to attend these incredible events at NEC Birmingham, we were beyond excited to explore new innovations, gain valuable insights, and connect with professionals who share our commitment to the care sector.
From testing new first aid equipment to meeting teams that could support our future growth and development, the experience was nothing short of inspiring.
Day 1
We started strong, engaging with like-minded individuals who are dedicated to making a difference in the care industry. One standout for us was LOCKABOX, an innovative lockable medicine box designed for safe and secure storage in the fridge. Easy to clean and perfect for those who require extra security for their medication, it’s a simple yet brilliant solution that could make a real impact.
We also had the chance to try out interactive screens featuring sensory, memory, and fun games—an experience that brought out the competitive side of some of our team members! These tools not only provide entertainment but also serve as a great way to support cognitive engagement for those in care.
This was just the beginning of an exciting and insightful event, and we couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the week had in store.
It was a pleasure to meet with some CQC inspectors, who provided valuable insight into upcoming changes and shared some great tips to help us work towards achieving an OUTSTANDING rating. Their guidance was incredibly helpful, and we left feeling motivated and inspired.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the day was watching a young adult with a physical disability take on an incredible challenge. With determination and sheer strength, he was hoisted from his wheelchair, secured in climbing gear, and used only his arms to reach the very top of a rock climbing tower. Supporting him with the rigging was a remarkable gentleman who was both Deaf and Blind—an awe-inspiring example of teamwork and resilience.
Witnessing this firsthand was nothing short of incredible. It was a powerful reminder that adventure is truly inclusive—well done to both of them!
Day 2: Stepping Into the World of Dementia
Day 2 took a completely different turn. We dedicated the entire day to exploring the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Show, as we hadn’t had the chance to visit the day before. One of the highlights was taking part in the Dementia Interpreters Course, an experience that was nothing short of incredible.
The challenge? Communicating while gradually losing our senses—first our speech, then our sight, then our hearing, and finally, even our sense of touch. Our brave colleague embraced the challenge fully, even donning a straightjacket to further understand the physical restrictions some individuals face. It was a powerful and eye-opening insight into the struggles people with dementia experience when trying to communicate.
Next, we stepped onto the Virtual Reality Dementia Bus, taking our understanding even further. This time, we didn’t just learn about dementia—we lived it. Spiky insoles in our shoes made every step uncomfortable. Gloves with sewn-together fingers restricted our grip. Glasses blurred and partially blocked our vision. Headphones blasted loud white noise, disorienting us completely.
Then, the tasks began. Instructions were given verbally, but before we could make sense of them, the host would interrupt—taking objects away or talking over us, leaving us feeling utterly confused. Every so often, a sudden loud siren would blare, startling us just as we were trying to focus.
To this day, I have no idea what I was supposed to do with the white shirt, and I’m pretty sure Alison is still searching for the missing cups!
This experience gave us an entirely new perspective on what it’s like to live with dementia. It wasn’t just informative—it was transformative. We left with a deeper understanding and even greater determination to provide compassionate, patient-centered care for those living with this condition.
nothing compares to the experience we had stepping into the Autism Virtual Reality simulation.
From the moment we began, it was clear this would be unlike anything we had encountered before. First, we put on gloves that restricted our movement, making even simple tasks feel frustrating. Then, we wore glasses that distorted our vision—objects seemed closer or further away than they actually were. Finally, we placed headphones over our ears and stepped onto the bus. Bright lights flashed, and a short film explained that we would need to complete four tasks within one minute.
With our competitive spirits high, we were eager to take on the challenge. But as the simulation started, everything changed. The tasks we expected to complete so easily became nearly impossible. In fact, rumour has it the team is still trying to finish them a week later—without success.
The experience was emotional, overwhelming, and eye-opening. It gave us a powerful insight into the challenges faced by individuals with Autism and dementia, deepening our understanding of the sensory overload they experience. We left that day not just with knowledge, but with a renewed commitment to supporting those we care for in a more compassionate and informed way.
We had an amazing time at the event, gaining valuable insights and discovering innovative ways to enhance the care we provide. The experience was both inspiring and beneficial, and we’re excited to implement what we’ve learned. A huge thank you to everyone we met—we look forward to working alongside many of the incredible exhibitors in the future!
