We are bombarded by sensory stimulation all day long. Take a few seconds to think about where you’re sitting at this exact moment. What are you hearing? Smelling? Seeing? Touching? Tasting? A healthy brain is able to sort through and tune out different stimuli in order to focus on what we’re doing and make sense of the world. However, for individuals with dementia, sensory stimulation can be overwhelming at times, yet essential for their care plan.
“It’s an interesting balancing act,” says Alicia Seaver, Vice President of Memory Care Operations with EPOCH Senior Living. “Too much stimulation can cause individuals with dementia to act out and experience unwanted behaviors – their brains simply can’t cope with everything happening at once. However, focused sensory stimulation and engaging one or more of the senses actually helps those with dementia live healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives.”
It’s essential, says Alicia, to combine sensory stimulation with meaningful activities in order to help individuals with dementia to stay engaged. “It can be hard to determine exactly what a meaningful activity is sometimes,” she says. “The activities can’t just be busywork that’s designed to fill time; instead, it should be something that is meaningful for the individual. That’s why we focus so strongly on learning the stories of each and every resident at Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham. By knowing their likes, dislikes, preferences and passions, we’re better able to put together activities that spark joy while also helping them retain and maintain their existing abilities.”
The Benefits of Sensory Stimulation.
Sparking memories. Memories are intrinsically linked to our senses, and by tapping into that subconscious connection, we are able to help those with dementia to spark memories and reach back into their long-ago moments. Music, especially, has shown to provide almost miraculous results on those with dementia. Because the parts of our brain that are associated with music (and other senses) aren’t as ravaged by the disease, sensory activities can “unlock” memories with great results.
Encouraging participation and socialization. Socialization and being around others is very important for all of us – especially individuals with dementia. Even though he or she may not be able to communicate very well with others, being in a group and participating in an activity is a great way to help them feel a part of something.
Increased cognitive and physical function. As we mentioned before, sensory activities can “unlock” parts of the brain and help increase, for at least a moment, cognitive and physical function. Even for those late in the disease, sensory activities can help them exercise and maintain their existing abilities for as long as possible.
Prompting communication. As dementia progresses to the later stages, it becomes more and more difficult for the individual to express themselves in standard ways. Sensory activities give seniors a chance to express themselves, which helps them feel safe and allows them to relax. It also can increase their self-esteem, their mood and their overall well-being.
Simple enjoyment. Finally, sensory activities – especially when they are tied to meaningful memories – are just plain fun. Everybody gets bored, and that’s especially true for individuals with dementia. By putting together appropriate, enjoyable activities for your loved one, you’re able to keep them happy and entertained, which leads to a much better lifestyle for them and for you.
Try These Stimulating Activities
If you’re a caregiver to someone with dementia, or if you’re simply looking for sensory activities to participate in when you visit a friend or family member, here are some ideas of things they might enjoy.
Spend time in nature. Being in the great outdoors is a wonderful, overall sensory experience. Seniors can feel the fresh air and sunshine on their face, smell the leaves and the earth, listen to birds and even feel things like leaves, bark and grass. (Plus, fresh air has been proven to have health-related benefits, and getting a dose of vitamin D is always a great mood booster.) If your loved one is able to get out, head to a local park with handicapped accessible trails. Or, if you prefer, set up a bird feeder and watch the local wildlife from your back porch.
Create an artistic masterpiece. Art therapy has long been a meaningful and successful sensory activity for individuals with dementia. Art allows people to express themselves without words, which is both cathartic and fulfilling. Good media include watercolors, creating a collage, molding clay or sewing patterns with yarn. Best of all, making art is purely creative, and there’s no wrong way to do it.
Bake something delicious. Who doesn’t love the smell of cookies baking in the oven? Smell links us strongly to our memories, and baking cookies together can be a great opportunity to reminisce about times gone by. The steps are easy to follow for individuals with dementia (even if they need a little help). And at the end of the session, you have a delicious treat to eat together.
Pet a furry friend. Pet therapy is another activity that those with dementia often enjoy. Visiting a local petting zoo or entertaining a visit from a well-mannered dog or cat provides many sensory opportunities and also releases endorphins. There’s something very soothing and joyful about a cat purring or a dog putting its head on your knee and looking adoringly up at you.
Give a hand massage. Gentle touch is a wonderful activity for those with dementia. Give your loved one a treat by finding a lotion in their favorite scent and giving them a gentle hand massage. Not only will it feel good, but touch releases calming hormones in our brain, which can help calm anxiety and stress and leave us feeling loved.
“The best sensory activities are ones that speak to something inside your loved one,” says Alicia. “Understanding your loved one’s joys will enable you to find meaningful moments in whatever you do, whether you’re sweeping the floor, watching old family videos or singing favorite songs together. Take every moment as it comes and seize the opportunity for sensory expressions whenever you can find them.”
Exceptional Care & Fulfilling Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – enriching the lives of our residents every day.
Inspiring Programs for All Stages
No matter what level of care or service is needed, residents and families can rest assured that our care and life enrichment programs address the various stages of memory decline, allowing residents the opportunity to age in place.
Dedicated Memory Care
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham, our services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for residents in various stages of memory loss.
Contact us today to learn more.