Sensory Integration
As part of our commitment to Vision 2020 and our pillar of Organizational Excellence, we have included an initiative in this year’s Business Plan that focuses on Sensory Integration and the development of an organization-wide Sensory Program Framework. This work is important in promoting innovation and improving the quality of care and experience for those that we serve.
The literature shows that the integration of sensory stimulation in day to day care is particularly effective in stimulating emotional wellbeing and promoting engagement of those living with dementia. It is well known that as we age, we often experience deterioration in our senses. For those living with dementia, there are additional challenges as networks within the brain change and senses are altered so an individual may feel some things less and some things more.
The goal of sensory integration is to understand the right level and type of intervention that will allow an individual to be more engaged and participate at an optimal level. When sensory stimulation is at the right level, it can have a significant impact in reducing challenging behaviours such as agitation, anxiety and depression that often manifest in individuals with dementia.
There are a number of programs that are offered across the organization that provide sensory stimulation for residents with dementia. These programs are supported by our recreation departments at each site. These include, but are not limited to, music programs, art programs, pet therapy programs, doll therapy, gardening and baking programs. One program offering that is more recent is equine therapy which is currently offered at three of our Bethany locations. Equine therapy involves a trained facilitator working with residents and leading them through interactions with the horses that range from grooming/brushing them, observing them and leading/handling them.
Equine therapy has many therapeutic benefits for those with dementia. Studies show that the interactions with the horses contribute to an improvement in mood and a decrease in agitation and anxiety. This is consistent with the feedback from our Bethany teams that offer this program. In fact, the feedback about the impact on our residents is heartwarming – the joy on the faces of our residents is amazing and the opportunity for residents to be “hands-on” is wonderful.
I am honoured to be a part of the work in this area and extend my gratitude to those who make this possible for our residents. These programs do so much to enhance the experience and quality of life of those that we serve and in creating caring communities.
As always, I welcome any ideas or suggestions you may have. Please send them to me at nancy.hughes@bethanyseniors.com.
Regards,
— Nancy
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