Multi-Sensory Room/ Cart(Aka Snoezelen Rooms)

Therapeutic Recreation Department

Blue Crest Nursing Home and

U.S. Memorial Health Center

Kaitlyn Campbell-Merriam: Therapeutic Recreation Student.

What is a multi-sensory room?

A dedicated space or room for relaxation and/or work where stimulation can be controlled, manipulated, intensified, reduced, presented in isolation or combination, packaged for active or passive interaction, and temporally matched to fit the perceived motivation, interests, leisure, relaxation, therapeutic and/or educational needs of the user. 

(http://www.janesroom.org/multisensory.html)

Purpose

To provide patient’s (pt’s) with a multisensory environment while being stimulated using the five senses. Using a patient centered approach this room will serve the Alzheimer's and Dementia Pt’s within USMHC.

Target Population

SeniorsDementia Pt’sAlzheimer's Pt’sThose with behavioral issuesFor mild, medium and severely

cognitively impaired Pt’s

Benefits

Cognitive stimulation Increase in communication, positive moods and

behaviours Relief for caregivers/ respite Patient has choice Allows for free association Maximizes stimulation and pleasure for patient Increased quality of life Self directed by patient Self healing Can help prevent negative behaviours Reminiscence

Goals

To provide meaningful therapeutic interventions for Pt

To prevent or decrease negative behaviors among target population

To use multi sensory stimulating activities with Pt’s at 2x per week

To allow for free association of activities. To increase verbal and non-verbal

communication. To reduce stress on caregiver. To decrease the negative effects of Illness on Pt.

Expected Outcomes

Pt’s being self directedPt’s improved behaviors Increase in cognition.

Specific to the Pt involved in intervention.

Selecting appropriate participants

Initial AssessmentsReferrals from interdisciplinary teamFamilyCurrent functioning levelsDaily behavior patterns. Stage of illness

Procedure

Train staff on use of room and equipmentAssess PtsSelect appropriate PtsIntroduce them to the roomContinue to provide Multi Sensory

Interventions to Clients weekly

Equipment Required

Bubble Lamps or lava lamps Fiber optic or plastic light strings Coloured lights Patterned lights Black Light Mirror Ball Clamming music Mirrors Textures (on wall and floor and fabric) Balls Pictures Interactive panels- Lights, music, sounds, Pictures, Etc

Equipment Continued

Seating- Bean Bags, Rocking Chairs, Big pillows. Things to put on Wheelchairs.

Aquarium Instruments- Rain stick, shakers Etc. Massage or vibration items. Sensory Mats or quilts Tactile- Gel mats/ balls, Bean Bags, Boards or panels A Projector A Stereo Power Bar Assorted Batteries

Room Design

Accessible!Occupancy allowance (max #)Age considerations Child vs Senior.

Safety/ Supervision

Trained staff (Training provided)PT’s Never left unsupervisedUse of appropriate equipment. Ensure equipment is functioning properly

inspected by maintenance department.Appropriate participant selection.

Budget/ Costs

Quote from Flag House Sept 2006$9,452.43

Budget and cost at this time unknown…more research to be done.

Estimated cost = $500.00

Leisure Ability ModelBased on Client or Pt’s needs

Functional Intervention: Directed or controlled interventions by TR specialist Improve functional ability

Leisure Education: Combination of TR and PT initiated participation. Used to acquire leisure knowledge and skills

Recreation Participation: Participant directed activities with TR facilitation Participant is engaging in organized opportunities voluntarily.

(Stumbo & Peterson, 2004)

Evaluation

Observations by Therapeutic Recreation Staff and other interprofessional team members.

Reassess pt’sSurveysEvaluation Forms

Documentation

Monitor residents responses and progress

Keep attendance lists Any significant changesReferralsCognitive, physical, emotional, social,

and spiritual changes.Evaluation Forms/ Surveys

Resources

Flaghouse.ca easternhealth.ca http://www.recreativeresources.com/

documents/MultiSensoryEnvironments_000.pdf

Study done at http://www.snoezelen-idosos.com/login/upload/files/macharia.pdf

References

Stumbo, N.J.& Peterson, C.A. (2004) Therapeutic Recreation program design (4th ed.) Pearson, San Francisco, CA.

Jane Johnston Foundation,(2009). Retrieved May 17,2013 from http://www.janesroom.org/multisensory.html