Dementia
Dementia can be a very difficult thing to deal with for patients, loved ones and carers. However, sensory stimulation for dementia patients, either in sensory rooms or equipment, can have numerous benefits, including soothing anxiety and improving memory recall.
When it comes to rooms and sensory products for dementia patients, Experia is a market leader. Let’s take a deeper look at what dementia is and how sensory experiences can help.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a syndrome (a collection of related symptoms) that refers, in general, to declining mental function. The most common causes of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, but there are numerous different types and causes.
Dementia often presents itself through memory loss, difficulty thinking or problem solving and sometimes language skills. Sometimes it may also begin to affect the way a person behaves or their mood. This condition starts with small-scale problems but can deteriorate quickly to make a huge impact on the sufferer’s daily life.
How symptoms of dementia present themselves varies from person to person – it is down to which area of the brain is damaged and how the syndrome was caused. While there is currently no known cure, its progress can be slowed if it is diagnosed early.
Sensory Stimulation for Dementia Patients
Some useful sensory activities for dementia patients can include bringing them familiar items that might trigger positive memories. These might be books they have enjoyed, clothes they liked to wear and foods they liked to eat when they were younger.
Setting up a sensory room in your assisted living or retirement facility will not only upgrade your facility, but can greatly improve the quality of life for your residents.
When a person is living with dementia, it can affect their personality and demeanour – they may not always fully understand where they are or why they’re there and may lose empathy and the ability (or desire) to communicate effectively. One of the best forms of supportive sensory interaction for dementia patients is to immerse them in a sensory room specifically designed to help soothe and interest them.
Sensory Experiences and Dementia
Our multi-sensory rooms at Experia transcend any age barriers. Older people have shown profound changes in mood, cognition and overall well-being when regularly visiting our rooms.
For a truly immersive and relaxing experience, please have a look at our Zoladz sensory bedroom and Karvonen sensory room, both designed specifically for those with dementia. See our blog post on tools for supporting sensory for dementia for some great recommendations of tools you can use.
Sensory stimulation for dementia patients might also include lighting, age-appropriate technology they can control, music or fibre optics. Thanks to our calming sensory lights, sounds, and aromas, individuals with dementia can relax and engage. These tools allow them to have control over their environment once again. Our sensory cart is designed specifically for relaxation and reminiscence thanks to its built-in DVD player, screen and gesture-controlled amplifier.
Experia tailor makes sensory equipment and bespoke sensory rooms to suit any need and budget so that everyone can access sensory stimulation for dementia. We also offer a free 3D room design service if you need a little help designing your dream sensory space. With the help of our expert sensory advisors, we can help you create the perfect environment for your users. Contact us today!
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