It is not uncommon, as a person ages, for one or more of their senses to decline. From how much you enjoy participating in things to how you communicate, a huge part is played by your senses. So, it’s important to take advantage of the benefits of sensory activities to find ways of engaging your senses as you age.
Particularly for those with dementia, but for older adults in general, a variety of benefits can be experienced through sensory stimulation. An important part of care is the assurance that activities involving a person’s senses be provided to improve quality of life.
Sensory Stimulation: What Is It?
To engage the senses, several different, specially designed activities are used as a process. It is referred to as sensory stimulation. For those living with memory-related issues, it’s particularly useful. Why? In part, because the person can be transported to a time that was important to them or certain memories can be triggered through sensory stimulation.
A variety of activities can be encompassed by the term sensory stimulation. These activities can include looking through photo albums, cooking a meal, exploring the outdoors, and more. Different benefits are provided by each.
Here are some additional benefits of sensory stimulation/activities.
Connections
Particularly for those with mobility restrictions and/or dementia, they may begin to feel disconnected from the rest of the world. It’s crucial to connect with the natural world even though, as a person ages, the out-of-doors may not seem as accessible as it once was.
A safe outside activity area can be set up where the person can get fresh air, see plants, and listen to the wildlife. Indoors, familiar scents can be provided, as well as playing seasonal sounds, to rebuild connections.
Socialization
Many times, communication becomes more difficult as a person ages, so socialization may suffer. Loneliness can go along with a lack of socialization. This can cause a decline in mood and withdrawal. To introduce new conversation topics, one fantastic way is through reminiscence activities. Here, people are more prone to talk about cherished memories, so conversation and socialization increases. Socialization may be improved additionally by listening to a song with someone, going for a walk with someone, or watching a film in a group.
Relaxation
If an individual is stressed or agitated, to assist in calming them, sensory activities can be used. A feeling of relaxation can be induced, and agitation reduced, by smelling a familiar scent or listening to soothing music.
Wildlife and plants are also used in this manner, which can include a visit to a greenhouse, garden, or a local park. The scents and smells of flowers combined with the stimuli of the plants induce the same relaxing effect a natural environment has on many people. This is also a mood booster.
Nostalgia
To spark a conversation where older adults are concerned, one brilliant way is through reminiscing. If someone has dementia, however, it can be difficult. Hearing certain songs, smelling specific scents, and more can be used to stimulate old memories and reconnect individuals with them.
TerraBella Little Avenue Provides Sensory Activities and More
TerraBella Little Avenue offers numerous opportunities for healthy eating, socialization, and much more. Included in our many amenities is our Celebrations Activities and Events program. Feel free to view our calendar here.
Thanks to this offering, your loved one will be able to keep an engaging, active social calendar through parties, fitness classes, wellness programs, trips, and more. Each is planned by our full-time director. Our residents can’t help but feel fulfilled, engaged, and enriched while participating in the shopping trips, restaurant visits, lectures, live music performances, and more. In addition to these, there are games, arts and crafts opportunities, and other diverse recreational activities.
Please contact us at TerraBella Little Avenue by phoning 704-448-5760 for sales and leasing inquiries. Any other questions can be directed to 704-541-9333. Better yet, schedule a personal tour so that you can see for yourself all we have to offer. You may also choose to get started by using our convenient online form.
