Sensory Stimulation in Care
By Scott Williamson, Managing Director, MBS Relaxing Music Video Productions (www.mbsrelaxingmv.com)
Scott is creator of the ‘Resident Connect Experience’ program, designed to support residents, their loved ones, and carers. Scott is also committed to helping the broader care community by contributing to leading charities. MBS’s company goal is to not only uplift residents but also give back to the people and organisations making a difference in the care industry daily.
In the ever-changing and often demanding environment of residential and nursing care homes, prioritising the well-being of residents is paramount. As care providers, it is imperative to explore innovative methods to enhance the quality of life for those in care, especially individuals living with cognitive impairments such as dementia.
One highly impactful method embraced in recent years is sensory stimulation, a comprehensive approach that enhances physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. With the integration of advanced AI technology, newer technologies such as personalised, relaxing music videos breathe new life into old black-and-white photos by colourising them, accompanied by soothing music, captivating landscape visuals, and cherished family photos or video messages. This provides a distinctive way to deliver a holistic, sensory-enriched experience that significantly benefits elderly residents and those with dementia.
Diverse Forms of Sensory Experiences
There are many ways to incorporate sensory experiences into daily care, each offering unique benefits for residents:
1. Visual Stimulation: Personalised relaxing music videos use serene, natural landscapes and family memories to captivate residents’ visual senses. These familiar images, paired with scenic backdrops, evoke positive emotions and comfort. Advanced technologies, such as AI-powered colourisation of old black-and-white photos, bring memories of the past to life, enriching the experience further by reconnecting residents with their personal history.
2. Auditory Stimulation: The choice of music in these videos is key. Rather than familiar music that may evoke specific emotions or memories, soothing and non-intrusive sounds are purposefully chosen to enhance deep relaxation and open the senses to help immerse themselves in the visuals and relax without the distraction of nostalgia, allowing for a more profound sensory experience.
3. Tactile Stimulation: Personalised videos can be paired with tactile activities to further engage residents. Watching these calming visuals while interacting with textured objects, fidget blankets, or engaging in simple activities like handling soft fabrics can provide enhanced comfort and sensory richness.
4. Olfactory Stimulation: While videos alone do not engage the sense of smell, pairing them with aromatherapy sessions, using calming scents like lavender or invigorating fragrances like citrus, can amplify the relaxation experience, making it more immersive and holistic.
5. Gustatory Stimulation: Taste experiences can also complement sensory videos. For example, while watching personalised landscapes or family-themed videos, residents can engage in taste sessions, trying familiar and comforting flavours, adding another dimension to the sensory experience.
The Benefits of Sensory Stimulation
The implementation of sensory stimulation has wide-reaching benefits that can positively impact residents’ emotional, psychological, and physical health.
Regular sensory activities offer the following advantages:
– Reduction in Agitation and Restlessness: Especially for residents with dementia, these videos create a sense of familiarity and calm, reducing anxiety and behavioural issues.
– Improved Cognitive Function: Engaging residents’ brains through visual and auditory stimuli helps maintain and, in some cases, improve cognitive abilities, providing meaningful engagement.
– Enhanced Communication: Residents who struggle with verbal communication often respond emotionally or cognitively to visual and auditory cues. Personalised videos offer alternative ways for residents to express themselves, facilitating greater interaction.
– Increased Social Interaction: When shared in group settings, these videos encourage social engagement, helping reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Sensory Stimulation for Dementia Patients
For dementia patients, sensory stimulation plays a particularly important role in their care. Personalised videos offer structure, evoke memories, and facilitate moments of connection between residents and caregivers or family members.
Combining these videos with other sensory activities, such as memory boxes filled with personal items, can deepen the experience, triggering memories and meaningful conversation.
Creating Sensory Rooms in Care Homes
Many care homes have found success in creating dedicated sensory rooms. Personalised relaxing music videos are ideal for use in these spaces, where they can be combined with soft lighting, calming scents, and tactile objects to offer a fully immersive environment. These sensory rooms provide a tranquil retreat for residents, allowing them to engage multiple senses in a way that is soothing and beneficial.
The Power of Visual Landscapes for Sensory Stimulation
Visual landscapes, such as nature scenes, are an invaluable tool for sensory stimulation. For residents who may no longer be able to experience the outdoors firsthand, these videos offer a powerful connection to the natural world. Scenes of oceans, forests, or mountain views have been shown to reduce anxiety, alleviate stress, and promote mental well-being. The immersive quality of these visuals, when combined with soothing music, provides a window to the outside world, offering comfort and emotional enrichment for residents who may feel disconnected from nature.
AI Transforming Resident Care
The integration of AI into sensory stimulation is revolutionising how care homes approach resident well-being. AI technologies, such as the colourisation of old photographs, help residents reconnect with their past in vivid detail. These enhanced visuals, combined with calming music and personal video messages from loved ones, create a multi-sensory experience that reduces anxiety and promotes emotional well-being. This innovative use of AI not only improves the sensory experience but also strengthens cognitive function, making it an essential tool in modern care homes.
The Value of Photos and Video Messages from Loved Ones
Incorporating photos and video messages from loved ones adds an emotional layer to sensory stimulation. Seeing familiar faces and hearing the voices of family members triggers emotional recognition, which can provide comfort and reduce anxiety, especially for those experiencing memory loss. This personalised approach creates meaningful connections, stimulating both visual and auditory pathways and offering moments of joy and clarity for residents.
Moreover, video messages combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Residents feel a stronger sense of belonging and connection to their loved ones, even if they cannot be physically present. This can significantly enhance their overall well-being, contributing to a more enriching care environment.
Sensory Therapy also helps caregivers
Sensory therapy, particularly 30-minute video experiences, serves as a versatile tool for structured activities. With the ability to loop the videos for longer experiences, caregivers can find moments of respite while enhancing the well-being of residents. Creating a calm and engaged environment through sensory videos can improve the caregiving experience and reduce caregiver burnout.
Conclusion
The integration of sensory stimulation, particularly through personalised AI-enhanced relaxing music videos, offers a transformative approach to improving the well-being of residents in care homes. By engaging multiple senses including visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and even gustatory, these videos provide a holistic and enriching experience that benefits both residents and caregivers. For individuals living with cognitive impairments like dementia, these sensory experiences evoke memories, reduce anxiety, and foster emotional connections.
The use of advanced AI technologies, such as the colourisation of old photos, combined with serene landscapes, soothing music, and messages from loved ones, adds a deeply personal and meaningful dimension to the care environment. The implementation of sensory rooms and dedicated sensory activities not only enhances residents’ physical and emotional health but also offers caregivers a valuable tool for creating a calm, structured environment. As care homes continue to evolve, embracing sensory therapies will remain essential in promoting a higher quality of life for elderly residents and those living with dementia.
