10 Sensory Stimulation Ideas for Residents Living with Dementia

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on October 04, 2017

10 Sensory Stimulation Ideas for Residents Living with Dementia

Each of our five senses allows us to take in the world that surrounds us. Taste, touch, smell, sound, and sight are transmitted from our nervous system to different parts of the brain to be processed. Often our senses work together to help us perceive our environment.  

For diseases such as Alzheimer’s or other common diseases within the dementia realm, the brain's ability to process memory is impaired. Stimulating the senses of Alzheimer's patients brings comfort to the individual and acts as a way for our loved ones to communicate to us when speech becomes impaired. Fear and isolation can become the norm for those receiving care in a long-term senior living facility, especially when a dementia resident cannot remember their new place of living.

Helping to stimulate the senses in a daily living environment with familiar sights, sounds, and more can provide peace to residents and caretakers alike. While exploring our ten sensory stimulation ideas, try to implement these ideas with different focuses on early, mid, and late stages of dementia, as the functioning levels will vary.

1. Create a Sensory Room

A multi-functioning sensory room at your facility acts as a place for dementia residents to locate familiar objects, sounds, and sights that create a calming effect for the distressed or a stimulating effect for the bored.

2. Plant Flowers

Organizing activities around planting flowers or herbs or bringing in other types of nature (such as sand and seashells from a beach) incorporates many senses to a very familiar activity. Depending on the functioning ability of the resident, having already planted flowers or helping to water them can be calming as well.

3. Sensory Personal Box

Fill a box full of items with sentimental value to the resident, like a family photos, favorite books, a spouse’s cologne or perfume, or a favorite piece of jewelry.

4. Fresh baked goods from the kitchen

Have simple, comforting smells from the kitchen by baking a cake, brewing coffee, or simply boiling some orange peels with a few cinnamon sticks for a seasonal aroma around the holidays.

5. Music from the past

Play music from previous decades that offer a familiar tune for residents who may remember a lot from their youth but are struggling to connect with their present. Make sure it is soft enough to not disturb others.

6. Aromatherapy

There are various electronic diffusers available for essential oils that can help to provide a natural calming effect through smell. Try lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and ginger for familiar scents.

7. Nature and Nurture Sounds

Have different soundtracks of various nature noises such as rain falling, the ocean surf, or birds singing. Also, include familiar poems, rhymes, and religious songs or prayers for familiar sounds for a calming effect.

8. Seasonally Decorate a Common Living Space

Decorate a community room or dining facility according to the time of year. Residents can help arrange flowers, draw faces on pumpkins, decorate a tree, and more!

9. Food Quiz

Help to stimulate taste awareness with different foods. You can create a cultural or seasonal theme or focus on appetizers, entrees, or desserts. Keep in mind of any food allergies and have flashcards available for residents who are unable to speak. They can choose their answer to questions like crunchy or quiet, sweet or sour, I like it, or I do not like it.

10. Offer a Variety of Textures

Think big picture in your senior living facility and have a variety of furniture options with different patterns and textures. Also think of throw blankets, pillows, and decorations. Remember to create an at-home environment that is comforting and appealing to the eyes.

Learn More About Alzheimer's Disease With the Help of Senior Living Link

There may come a time when the person with Alzheimer's disease or dementia will need more care than can be provided at home. Senior Living Link can help determine the best care for your loved one. Learn more by contacting us today.