Last month in our blog we mentioned the Snoezelen Multisensory Room, an avant-garde concept in the field of sensory stimulation of the elderly. In this month of May we consider it pertinent to expand the information about this method that provides so many benefits to the elderly with some type of dementia.
What is multisensory stimulation?
It is the stimulation aimed at people with some form of dementia or cognitive impairment. Based on the needs of the person, the objectives are structured and based on stimuli, relaxation or activation of the senses is sought (Hulsegge and Verheul, 1987). Consequently, a completely individualized stimulation program is provided.
What is a Snoezelen Room?
Therapy founded by the Dutch Hulsegge and Verheul in the 1970s. It is a room equipped with visual, light and tactile stimuli, among others, through which people experience different sensations under the supervision of a specialist.
The word Snoezelen comes from the contraction between the words explore (snuffelen) and relax (doezelen) (Neuro Rehab Human Brain, 2016). Thus, Snoezelen therapy "aims to provide pleasant sensory experiences by stimulating the primary senses, without the need for intellectual activity and in an atmosphere of trust and relaxation" (Bombín, Borja and Moral, 2020).
The key to this therapy is that the sessions become enjoyable and meaningful experiences that provide a sense of confidence and well-being.
Is Multisensory Stimulation the same as the Snoezelen concept?
No, Snoezelen is a type of multisensory stimulation that has been perfected from the use of high-tech resources used in a controlled manner in a pleasant environment (Bombín, Borja, & Moral, 2020).
How does the Snoezelen Room benefit older adults with dementia?
The main benefits of the Snoezelen Room are as follows (Stima, 2018; Sisters Hospitallers, 2019):
-Relaxation
- Anxiety reduction
-Increased balance
-Improved motor performance and postural control
-Stimulation of memory, attention and language.
-Decrease in apathy and aggressiveness.
-Decrease in behavioral disturbances
-Decrease of repetitive verbalizations.
These positive effects of therapy are related to the experience as such within a comfortable and rewarding environment for the older adult.
Bibliographic references:
Bombín, E. Borja, I. and Moral, G. (2020) Clarifying concepts. Basale Stimulation, Sensory Integration and Snoezelen. Basale Stimulation. Retrieved from: https://www.basale-stimulation.es/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Aclarando-conceptos.pdf
Sisters Hospitallers (2019) Snoezelen room: sensory stimulation for older people with dementia. Retrieved from: https://www.personamayor.org/articulos/sala-snoezelen-estimulacion-sensorial-para-personas-mayores-demencia/#beneficios-estimulacion-multisensorial-snoezelen
Hulsegge, J. and Verheul, A. (1987) Snoezelen Concept: Another World. Rompa Editorial.
Stima (2018) What is a Snoezelen Room? Retrieved from: https://stimamayores.es/servicios/terapias/terapia-ocupacional/estimulacion-sensorial/sala-snoezelen
