November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and we always like to jump in the conversation in order to supply information and resources to the clients we serve, and their family members. If your senior loved one is living with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, it might be challenging for you to feel like you are having a meaningful visit together. Or, you might wonder what you can do to provide some peace and comfort to them when they are feeling anxious or restless.
Sensory stimulation can be the answer in both cases. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Sensory Stimulation?
Sensory stimulation intentionally activates more than one of the five primary senses at one time. Sensory stimulation can have a calming effect for anyone of any ability. For example, think of how you feel after getting a massage and listening to some calming music. Or, consider how your mood is after you light your favorite candle and slip under a cozy blanket.
Older adults, especially those living with dementia, can also benefit from this approach. It is very common for senior care professionals to add sensory stimulation to the daily routine of those they serve. Family members, friends, and other visitors can also add sensory stimulation to any interaction.
Examples of Sensory Stimulation
When coming up with ideas for sensory stimulation activities, aim to stimulate at least 2 of the primary senses (vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste) at one time. Here are some examples that can get you started as you personalize the approach to your loved one’s preferences and abilities:
- Listen to hymns while looking through their family Bible (hearing and vision)
- Giving a hand massage with scented lotion while listening to classical music (touch and hearing)
- Diffusing essential oil while matching socks from the laundry basket (smell and touch)
- Sitting with a weighted, scented stuffed animal (like these) (touch and smell)
- Baking cookies (smell and taste)
Benefits of Sensory Stimulation
People living with dementia can struggle with interpreting the world around them. This is why loud environments with harsh lighting can sometimes cause people living with dementia to become anxious or restless; they are overstimulated and unable to participate in the environment. Sensory stimulation in an intentional, positive way can result in feelings of calm and comfort, reducing restlessness and even reducing wandering.
How to Incorporate It
When possible, set up a sensory stimulation experience before your loved one is anxious or restless. It can be more difficult to use the intervention to settle down someone who is already pacing or nervous. Instead, when you can, use the intervention to postpone or prevent the restlessness. So, if your loved one typically becomes anxious around 4pm, see if you can set up a positive sensory experience for them around 3:30. This might take some experimenting to find the perfect fit, but you can adjust your approach based on what is working and what doesn’t.
Bring supplies for your experience with you to your visit, and have a plan for your sensory experience. It’s hard to throw together a sensory stimulation activity on the spot!
Keep your loved one’s preferences and abilities at the forefront of your sensory stimulation planning. They are more likely to remain engaged with the activity if it is tailored to their history and is not too challenging for them to do.
If you’re searching for ways to engage your loved one who is living with dementia, let us help. Our caregiver team is trained to work with those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia; we can provide care and companionship while you take a break from your family caregiving role.