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Elizabeth Bemis

By: Elizabeth Bemis on May 22nd, 2013

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The Benefits of a Snoezelen Room for Alzheimer’s Care

assisted living  |  alzheimer's care  |  snoezelen room  |  Aging & Caregiving

Snoezelen fiber optics resized 600

If you’ve never heard of the Dutch term Snoezelen (pronounced “snuzelen”), formed by the words “sniff and doze,” you’re probably not alone! Snoezelen is a type of therapy originally founded in Holland for individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities.

 

A Snoezelen Room is a therapeutic environment created for the express purpose of delivering high levels of stimuli to patients with dementia. A private room displays optical illusions with combined lighting effects, aromas, colors, textures and sounds to stimulate a person’s olfactory, auditory and gustatory systems.

 

A Snoezelen Room is often used for Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and its reputation as a safe, mood-enhancing environment is catching on in several leading-edge assisted living communities. Some of the benefits of using this form of therapy are provided:

 

1. Increased Resident and Caregiver Communication

One of the key benefits of this therapy is its ability to reduce an individual's fears and enhance their trust in the people closest to them. Snoezelen can be specially adapted to meet the needs of the individual, delivering stimuli to seven of the senses (which include the vestibular for balance and proprioception for body part awareness). The environment facilitates better communication (both verbal and non-verbal) during and after therapy and is thought to deepen the relationship shared between caregivers and the individuals receiving care.

 

2. Increased Knowledge and Understanding of the Environment

In a controlled multi-sensory environment, patients receive a steady stream of stimuli that automatically increases their awareness (autonomous discovery) and understanding of their surroundings. The average person touches 300 different surfaces every 30 minutes; however, someone with profound dementia may average out at only three (3) different surface touches in 30 minutes. This shows in magnitude just how sensory-deprived many Alzheimer’s patients are and the benefits of clinically engaging their senses during senior care.

 

3. Improved Behavior and Mood

Sensory therapy has proven effective in calming aggressive behavior and improving mood. It is believed that this non-threatening environment offers gentle stimulation that reduces tension (Snoezelen settings include dimmed lighting, intriguing aromas, and soothing sounds), replenishes the spirit, and allows recuperation. Snoezelen has been used as an effective “Sundowners” intervention and for treating other Alzheimer’s manifestations.

 

4. Improved Self-Esteem

The benefits of Snoezelen may differ between each person but may include improved self-esteem. The rationale is that with an elevated sense of awareness (of both self and the environment) coupled with reduced inhibitions; candidates often display a sense of self-acceptance.  A small research study also claims a 75% reduction in self-injury.

Note: Clients suffering from other non-Alzheimer/dementia symptoms (that is, bipolar and schizophrenia) are excluded from this type of therapy, so too, are patients who suffer from epilepsy.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • A Snoezelen Room is a therapeutic environment created for the express purpose of delivering high levels of stimuli in patients with dementia.
  • Sensory therapy has helped to reduce the fears of participants and enhance their trust in the people closest to them.
  • With a steady stream of stimuli participants’ autonomic response increases along with an awareness of their surroundings.
  • Sensory therapy has proven effective in calming aggressive behavior and improving mood.
  • The benefits of Snoezelen may include improved self-esteem.

 

Learn More

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's care to learn more about our Memory Care Services or contact us. We would love to further assist you.

About Elizabeth Bemis

In 1998, I drove past an assisted living community construction site, learned that it was part of United Methodist Homes and realized the next stop on my professional journey was to work for a mission driven organization. Soon after, I joined the team as Executive Director of our Middlewoods of Farmington community and later served as Regional Manager for the Middlewoods properties before accepting my current role as Vice President of Marketing, Promotions, and Assisted Living Operations. I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading, walking, and love working alongside our staff, residents, and families to build strong communities that reflect the mission, vision, and values of United Methodist Homes.

Our Blog is a 2016 Platinum Generations Award Winner! The Generations Award is an annual international competition for excellence in senior marketing recognizing professionals who have communicated to the 50+ Mature Markets.