|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
I make this publication available at the beginning of each month. Our current theme is about how change can affect today's seniors. Change can be generated by internal and external factors such as our fluctuating body chemistry and/or by stressors in our immediate social and physical environment. Imagine curling yourself up into a cocoon and being suspended in a place of lights, music, and the smell of essential oils. Users of Snoezelen come from a wide care spectrum. Snoezelen for Dementia “a multi sensory environment MSE” "Snoezelen" is a newly coined word derived from "snuffelen", to seek out, to explore and "doezelen", to doze or snooze. Snoezelen refers to a controlled multisensory environment (MSE) which was developed in the Netherlands in the 1970s and became popular in Germany. Introduced to North America and to Canada in 1992 its original use has been continued: to assist children with hard to reach sensory and learning disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy or brain injury. Sometimes a darkened room is prepared with soothing music and lights along with Aroma Therapy using essential oils. Various pieces of equipment are lit up inviting you to touch and interact with them. The effect is both relaxing and stimulating at the same time. Despite a rather negative testing assessment done by the Cochrane Collaboration in 2002, there seems to be enthusiastic supporters of this therapy among the AD community. Alzheimer's residents under duress can be directed to the Snoezelen room to experience this milieu in various nondirected activities. Watch a related video presentation about Snoezelen therapy here. Besides actual rooms designed with Snoezelen equipment I have seen the idea of stimulation / relaxation at a number of facilities in the Niagara region. One method is an aquarium placed in a room where residents congregate. I've noted interesting pictures and textures in sitting areas. Snoezelen, along with acquariums pet visitations have also demonstrated an ability to stimulate and to divert residents from worry, loneliness, and pain and even to lower blood pressure. For more information about Snoezelen contact Sarah Meharg at 905-628-1685 Thank you for your comments. I am always pleased to respond to your emails. |
Red Squirrel sniffing food
Contact us 407-4901 Buckley Avenue
"As a spiritual practice, I suggest that you investigate your relationship with the world of things through self-observation" |
Music & Reminiscence |
We thank our sponsors.
|
 |
 |
 |