How Sensory Stimulation Can Improve Your Loved One’s Life

If you’re caring for a loved one and are concerned that his or her quality of life may be slipping because they don’t seem to be as connected with their family and friends, there are steps you can take to help keep them engaged.

One idea you might want to try is sensory stimulation.

For older adults that may be living with the early stages of a cognitive impairment, communication through words often becomes more difficult. However, arousing the senses can be a great way to connect with your loved one, allowing the gift of expression and reminiscing.

What is sensory stimulation?

It’s a simple process and requires only everyday objects. The key is to stimulate one or more of the senses, which includes seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting. Although there are many activities you can choose that will activate more than one sense, it’s recommended to focus on only one at a time.

Why sensory stimulation can improve quality of life

Any activity that provides a supportive environment and the opportunity to spend time together is a benefit for both the individual, family members and friends. But if communicating verbally has become more of a challenge, it’s important to find alternative ways to still be able to make a connection. Sensory stimulation can be a great choice.

Studies have shown the following benefits may result from sensory stimulation, which can have a positive impact on your loved one’s quality of life:

• Improved mood
• Increased sense of self-esteem
• Increased concentration
• Improved communication with others
• Increased feelings of well-being
• Reduced agitation and anxiety
• Improved participation in group activities
• Past memories sparked by the senses
• Increased feelings of connectedness by family and the individual

It’s a good idea to try and link your activity ideas to the person’s interests, background and preferences. You’ll be more successful in helping them connect if the stimulation is tailored specifically to the individual. The stronger the association the person has with the activity, the more likely it is to generate a positive response.

For example, those who once loved gardening may be able to relate back to that time by running their hands through soil. Musicians may travel back to the days of playing if they have the opportunity to sit at a piano. Providing them the chance to take part in activities that may help evoke past memories can contribute greatly to their quality of life.

Sensory stimulation ideas to consider

These ideas can help get you started if you’re interested in trying this type of communication with your loved one. You’ll want to pay attention to the senses that seem to be most responsive and to what activities your family member enjoys most.

As with all interactions, there may be times when it’s better to try a different activity or wait for another day. Staying flexible and positive can make all the difference.

Activities to consider:

• Create a mobile made of different shapes, materials and colors.
• Browse through a photo album or scrapbook
• Take a walk in a garden or along a nature path

Activities to consider:

• Listen to favorite music from their past
• Read aloud from a treasured book
• Spend time outdoors and listen to the sounds of nature

Activities to consider:

• Experiment with different materials and textures
• If an animal lover, bring in a pet they can stroke
• Provide a facial, manicure or pedicure

Activities to consider:

• Provide an arrangement of fragrant flowers
• Experiment with samples of aromatic herbs and spices
• Bring in an assortment of perfumes or scented hand creams

Activities to consider:

• Choose a selection from some of their favorite foods
• Experiment with sweet, salty and spicy bites
• Try different drink flavors

How an assisted living community can help

If you believe your loved one would benefit with more interaction, planned activities or the different types of therapies that are now available, community life can provide the perfect setting.

Along with the trained staff, assisted living communities are designed to provide the best living environment for their residents who need assistance or special attention.

You’ll find sensory stimulation activities available as they are known to provide a calming experience, encourage their residents to engage with others and to also feel connected to the staff, neighbors and the world around them.

Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge Assisted Living community

We encourage our residents to remain engaged and participate fully while receiving the helping hand they may need with the activities of daily living. We also provide sensory stimulation activities to support our residents to live enriched lives.

The role at Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge Assisted Living is to provide the environment and opportunities for our residents, staff and families to engage fully. The residences, activities and amenities are tailored to meet personal preferences and needs. And the benefits don’t stop there.

Privacy, assistance whenever needed, delicious chef-prepared meals and scheduled transportation are among the advantages we offer. Your loved one will feel at home, respected and well-cared for. We are also a trusted support resource for our families.

If you would like more information about assisted living, please download our free resource,Just the Facts: Your Guide to Assisted Living.

Please call (703) 420-7105 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personalized tour today.