The benefits of engaging with a dedicated sensory space don’t go away as most people age. Quite the opposite, in fact! Many seniors find that as they age, they are more likely to benefit from and enjoy spending time in a sensory room. Whether they are experiencing cognitive shifts or physical ones, there are many benefits to spending time in a sensory room.

Can sensory rooms benefit adults?

While the use of sensory rooms is common for children both at home and in school settings, they are invaluable tools serving disabled adults and seniors groups. Sensory environments are very beneficial for the elderly, particularly those challenged with dementia or other special needs.

The needs of adults will vary from those of children using a sensory room, but the benefits are quite similar. Sensory rooms and sensory stimulation can help adults:

• Feel safe and comfortable in the space they are in
• Have a comfortable space in which to experience therapy, either one on one or with a group
• Participate in social groups and combat isolation
• Engage in activities that improve cognition and functionality
• Facilitate communication both with peers and their support system
• Explore avenues for increased concentration, focus and alertness
• Maintain physical abilities and dexterity
• Learn skills related to problem solving, self-care, and crisis prevention and de-escalation

Sensory environments support neurodegenerative diseases

As people age there is a natural decrease in autonomy that can limit a person’s ability to maintain freedom and mobility. As this is often gradual, a person is usually able to get used to the restrictions as time goes on. However, when a neurodegenerative disease like dementia or Alzheimer’s takes hold deterioration in autonomy can become significant quickly, which leads mental struggle for the sufferer.

Sensory rooms are quite beneficial in these situations. When a person is frustrated with their newfound struggles, the ability to step into a sensory room and leave those frustrations at the door will offer a significant mental health break.

Spending time in a no-pressure zone with the opportunity to immerse in things that make them happy will leave a visitor better equipped to handle their changing lives outside the room. Therapy interventions for these individuals can also be easier to approach in a space where they are calmer and more relaxed.

How does technology improve sensory rooms?

Although a sensory room can be created using non-technological items, there are some extraordinary new tools on the market that can help improve a user’s experience.

Virtual reality is a great way to entertain and engage sensory room users. With the BroomX MK360 offering a completely immersive experience with no headsets, visitors can feel the calming effects of the tool just by stepping into the room. The images can be changed and customized to the user, allowing for a completely unique and targeted therapeutic experience. Virtual reality helps to engage a viewer emotionally, socially and cognitively, resulting in significant benefits especially in those with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, autism spectrum disorder and other special needs.

A projection system is another excellent piece of modern technology that can offer sensory room users a significant benefit. An Omi motion-activated projection system will display chosen images, sounds and music onto any flat surface for the enjoyment of the user. With a customizable display, users can experience cognitive, social, physical and emotional stimulation, resulting in a more calm and positive mood. This is especially helpful for those experiencing dementia, as the system allows the user to experience places and things that invoke happy and calming thoughts and memories.

Elderly people often experience a loss of senses

Often as people age, they start to experience a reduction or loss of some of their senses. A gradual loss of mobility, loss of hearing, loss of sight, and even loss of the sense of touch can all affect the mindset of a person. A sensory room offers a person the ability to retreat into a space where they are able to both focus on the senses they do still have full control over, and spend time gently stimulating the senses that are reducing. This focused and non-pressured attention can help users to feel more confident and comfortable in their everyday lives.

Sensory rooms are helpful for all ages

Although sensory rooms are commonly found in schools, there is significant benefit to exploring the opportunity to create them in long-term care and hospital settings as well. When a senior is offered the opportunity to take a pause from all the stressors in their life for a limited time frame, they are likely to return to the original scenario better equipped to handle it.

Elderly people and those dealing with varied needs and abilities are most likely to benefit from the variety of sensory stimulation found in sensory rooms. Technology like virtual reality and projection systems can help facilitators to provide a customized and focused therapy plan in order to assist the individual in their day to day life.

For many kids, school can be a very overwhelming place. Whether children are dealing with a diagnosed developmental impairment or not, at times, they require a safe place to decompress. Such a space, which shifts their attention and focus while stimulating their senses, can be extremely beneficial.  

Installing a sensory room can be an excellent way of creating such a space in any school or other educational setting.  Such a multisensory environment can help kids — whether they are challenged by ADHD, autism or dyslexia, or exhibit occasional misbehaviour or anxiety — cope with daily situations that can arise in school or elsewhere.

A multisensory space’s benefits extend beyond particular children. School administrators, teachers, educational assistants and classmates will immediately notice those benefits. Schools incorporating sensory spaces often find that they are immediately “in demand” by children, parents and teachers.

What is a multisensory space?

At SensoryOne, we’re sensory space design experts. We’ve worked with schools across the United States and Canada to incorporate multisensory environments that improve student outcomes. Let’s discuss your needs!

A multisensory environment, often a dedicated room, is a specially designed space that features specialized sensory equipment. It is engineered to help engage, stimulate, relax and develop children’s senses. In a classroom, children are expected to sit still and listen, while, in a sensory space, they can explore their environment freely.

Some children will use the space to decompress and relax from lights and noises that overtake most classrooms. Others will find healthy distraction in activities that consume their focus and attention, calming them down. Still others may be more taken with physically stimulating activities, such as touch-activated lit floor and wall panels. 

Multisensory spaces can help children develop their hand-eye coordination, communication skills, fine and gross motor skills. They help meet the unique learning needs of neurodivergent children to meet standard learning outcomes.

Growing support for creating multisensory spaces in schools

While sensory spaces are still not found in most schools, the benefits for both students and staff are finding more support fromemerging science, first-hand accounts and parents’ enthusiasm.   Educators and health experts have come to realize the significant role that sensory environments can play in helping all children access education and reap maximum rewards.

Benefits to children who use them

• Takes the pressure off students who may struggle to keep up in a typical classroom
• Presents a safe and gentle environment for students to learn how to manage their emotions
• Allows students to take a time-out from excess stimulation in the classroom
• Neurotypical students can use the space to relax or develop skills that may get overlooked in typical classrooms
• Helps children who might not otherwise thrive in a typical school environment to have acceptable options to participate when they can, and retreat to a safe space when they need to
• Offers a safe and therapeutic space for students to learn a range of physical and emotional skills
• Promotes a positive response for students who may be acting out or prone to tantrums within the classroom

Benefits to the rest of the student body

• When students experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties have a difference space to go to, remaining students can better concentrate during their classroom time
• Great setting for in-school educational support, therapy and counselling to take place
• Normalizes the inclusion in a regular classroom setting of students who may otherwise struggle
• Helps avoid crisis situations and create a potentially safer school experience for classmates

Benefits to educators and parents

• Takes pressure off teachers. By being able to remove students who are being disruptive out of their classrooms (and to a space where they can receive specialized support), teachers can better focus on their lesson plans and remaining students
• Parents who do not have the space or funds to create a sensory space at home will appreciate one available at school

Many benefits of sensory play

Regardless of a child’s diagnosis, time spent in a dedicated multi-sensory environment can produce dramatic positive results. A space that can reduce anxiety, increase focus, calm aggressive behaviour and incorporate physical movement is a space that can help children thrive. Adding a sensory room is increasingly a must-have at schools.

Calming – Allowing students the time to immerse in a dimly lit room filled with calming and gentle experiences can help them detach from the classroom setting. A sensory room aiming to lower stimulation can include light and video projectors, tactile wall panels, lit bubble tubes, dim lights and calm music.

Improved focus – For students who struggle with being easily distracted, such as those diagnosed with autism, ADHD or other developmental disorders, a sensory room can be an escape from spaces where their concentration is required, such as a classroom, or provide a place here they can practice being more aware of their surroundings. I

Safe socialization – Many atypical students may feel a social struggle in normal school settings. A multi-sensory room can offer an alternative space to explore their surroundings with fellow classmates, taking the pressure off the idea of socialization.

Gain the immediate benefits of a sensory environment in your school

As an educator or school administrator, you will find it relatively easy to build a sensory room. It involves designating a space (even a small one) and working with a sensory-room-design expert to align objectives with equipment and configurations. Expert sensory room designers will highlight the best and latest equipment mix to provide students all of the benefits of a sensory space that they deserve.

If you have a relationship with a child or children with autism, you may have noticed that they generally struggle to find comfort in the busy world in which we live. Autistic people tend to process sensory information differently than neuro-typical people do, so they likely need more support to thrive in their day-to-day activities.

One great way to support children with autism is to create a sensory room or space for them to spend time in when they feel the need. Such rooms can help kids take a break from the overstimulation they may experience and, instead, be able to decompress in an area that supports their needs.

What is a sensory room?

For children with autism, the world can be an intimidating and anxiety-inducing place. A sensory room is a space that has been designed with this in mind to help calm kids, reducing their anxiety and improving their focus.

A sensory space can be set up as its own room, or occupy just a corner or any part of a bigger room. The important thing is that the area can be separated so that the children using it are able to detach from other things happening in the room.

The benefits of a sensory room

If you have a child with autism in your life, there are many benefits to making space for a specialized sensory room to create a safe and comfortable space for your child. Among the benefits:

At SensoryOne, our strength is more than supplying sensory equipment throughout the United States and Canada. We collaborate and design sensory rooms with clients, ensuring optimal design for environments built with autistic children in mind. Call us with your questions today!

1. Allows therapy to remain consistent

By creating a sensory room at home or at school, you help ensure that your child’s therapy will stay consistent, regardless of where they are. When kids have access to the same soothing methods and occupational therapies in places where they spend most of their time, they will feel the benefits without having to wait for an appointment.

2. Therapy can be personalized

Sensory rooms typically involve a number of different toys, tools and features. This means that one room can be used by several different children, and yet they will all be able to make use of personalized and individualized therapies.

3. Give your child control of their situation

A child with autism may feel powerless in many situations, so having a sensory room to escape to can help to reduce their anxiety and increase their focus.

What to include in your sensory room

Every child is going to have different needs when it comes to finding solace in a sensory room. Some kids will want a quiet and calming space, while others may want a space with things they can touch and feel.

The ideas suggested here are only a starting point. It’s always worthwhile to speak to your child’s therapist to get some ideas as well.

Tactile toys

Tactile items, such as bouncy balls, rubber bands, pop-its and slime toys, encourage kids to touch, play, experiment and learn, making them worthy to include in a sensory room. Some autistic kids love the repetition that these toys offer, as well.

Tools that encourage movement

Rope swings, exercise balls, mini-trampolines, small ball pits, tunnels, ramps and rocking chairs can be great ways for children to get moving. Some autistic children use movement to help work out some of their anxiety.

The right lighting

A sensory space should be relaxing and not overly stimulating. Lighting will play a large role in creating such an environment. Include warm, soft lighting that incorporates fibre optic glow kits, curtains, cascades and light panels, to name a few. Of course, Christmas lights, battery-powered candles, lava lights and bubble tubes can change the atmosphere.

Interactive spaces

To help autistic children immerse themselves in tasks, and leave their anxiety at the door, it’s a good idea to include interactive items, such as puzzles, tactile floors and murals, and advanced technological tools, including motion-activated projection systems and immersive virtual reality systems.

The OMI interactive motion-activated projection system offers its Autism Suite package of more than 200 applications specifically targeted to those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The BroomX MK360 is the only fully mobile, all-in-one VR unit, offering immersive experiences previously unattainable without headsets.

A comfortable crash space

While some children need activities and toys that gently stimulate them, others may need an area where they can relax and decompress. A corner with pillows, cushions, stuffed animals, and weighted blankets can be just the ticket.

Fresh activities

Rather than filling the room with all of the toys and activities that you can think of, consider putting some items aside and then changing it up every few visits. This may not work for all children, but many will thrive on the ability to try something new on a regular basis, rather than face information overload if they see everything all at once each visit.

Sensory rooms will support autistic children in your setting

Whether in a school or other educational setting, or as part of a health care environment, a multi-sensory space may be a missing element in your institution. The positive effects that sensory rooms can have on children with autism are many, and supported by research and experience. Gaining an understanding of how to create the right environment is readily had by contacting multisensory room environment specialists, as well as referring to other institutions that have implemented such spaces.

Closing in on a year that has largely confined us to home, wannabe globetrotters are increasingly fantasizing about the sights, sounds and places they long to visit.

However, even when real travel is possible again, there are many people with physical, financial or other limitations who will find taking a trip difficult, if not impossible.

These range from older adults, including those with dementia, who live in long-term-care facilities to people with special needs, such as some with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

For these people, virtual travel can be the next best thing to being there. Credit the latest advances in virtual reality technology, including the BroomX MK360, newly available in North America.
Fully immersive VR experience: no headset required!

This device, originating in Spain, creates a fully immersive experience without the need for VR headsets.

And while other similar technology requires multiple projectors, the BroomX is the only fully mobile, all-in-one unit. It projects a video that stretches across three walls and onto the ceiling, creating a 4-D experience within a user’s entire field of vision.

Imagine, for instance, sitting amid a pod of dolphins watching them swim all around you, splashing and creating waves, and listening to them whistle and click.

Or how about virtually forest bathing — lying in a bed of autumn leaves in the woods, with rays of sun shining down through the trees, birds chirping in the background. These are among the experiences offered by more than 100 different 360-degree videos available to project through the BroomX.

With no need for headsets, users of the BroomX have less chance of experiencing eye strain or “cybersickness,” a form of motion sickness in response to virtual environments. Many people also find headsets uncomfortable to wear. People with dementia or ASD might resist wearing them.

Improved cognitive function, memory stimulation rewards

VR technology like the BroomX offers many rewards for users such as older adults and people with ASD, ranging from feelings of calm and relaxation to improved cognitive function, memory stimulation and a reduction in acute and chronic pain.

Recent research using the BroomX studied the impact of immersive technologies on people with Alzheimer’s disease and moderate to severe dementia living in long-term-care facilities.

In this study, 325 participants from three long-term-care homes enjoyed VR experiences such as being transported to a lush green park to see the cherry blossoms in bloom, being taken to the heart of a bustling city, or finding themselves surrounded by dairy cows in a farmer’s field.

These experiences were not only entertaining but engaging cognitively, emotionally and socially. The research found that residents who used the BroomX were relatively calmer, happier, and more relaxed afterwards. Time with the BroomX projections also lifted moods,stimulated memory, improved appetites and eating among underweight residents, and led to increased conversations and better sleep among all participants.

Study participants reduce psychotropic medications

One of the most notable findings of the study, known as The Albert Project and conducted by Primacare Living Solutions with partners including the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), was a 30-per-cent reduction in the use of psychotropic medications to treat participants’ responsive behaviours.
To learn more about the results found in the Albert Project study, please watch this video. VR tools help make those with ASD more comfortable

VR technology has also proven helpful in dealing with the sensory, attention, behaviour, and communication challenges faced by people with ASD, to help them better connect with the people and world around them.

For instance, therapists have used virtual reality exposure therapy to help people become more comfortable in some situations, such as being outdoors. Immersing them first in a virtual park makes it less stressful for them to make the transition to a real park. Similarly, VR technology has been used to help combat phobias.

The BroomX can be used to project 360-degree videos other than the ones provided with the device, for instance, home videos or ones taken at a particular event that might have special meaning to those watching.

The BroomX is sold exclusively in North America by Sensory One, a division of Xlent Care Products Inc.

Sensory One distributes innovative, award-winning and inspiring sensory products and multi-sensory environments customized to the individual needs of users.

Please contact us to learn more.

As published in Canadian Health Technology, Sept 2020.

(Photo does not depict residents of Lanark Heights Long Term Care but seniors at another unidentified facility)

KITCHENER, ONT. – A grey-haired woman slowly shuffles her walker toward a huddle of giggling residents. Her face is blank when she notices that her peers are sweeping their arms across a large black and white projection of spring flowers on a tabletop.

Magically, the flowers are turning vibrant colours with each pass of an elderly hand.

Within a minute of observation the woman joins in and begins moving her arms to “paint” flowers too. She smiles as she reaches and waves her arms across the tabletop. Her normally stiff limbs relax and her body flows as she enjoys the group activity.

A scene like this no longer surprises Hildy Nickel, administrator of the Lanark Heights Long Term Care facility in Kitchener, Ont. In fact, she has seen it enacted multiple times since her facility introduced the Mobii Magic Surface to its 160 residents two years ago.

“The Mobii is fun for our residents, and it involves more movement than most of our other activity offerings,” says Nickel, who likes to stay current with the latest technology. “We offer exercise programs, colouring, puzzles and many other activities. But the Mobii is something different that always creates spontaneous smiles and laughter.”

The Mobii is a small, self-contained portable projector that houses a wealth of rich and stimulating activities for older adults, including those with dementia. The motion-activated, interactive tool uses images, games, quizzes, colour and music to evoke memories, stimulate conversation and encourage physical activity.

The technology makes it enjoyable and easy for people to move their bodies and to interact with the world around them. It also allows them to have some control over their environment.

Designed by sensory technology company OM Interactive, and winner in the Outstanding Dementia Product category in the U.K.’s Dementia Care Awards, the Mobii can be easily wheeled directly to groups of residents in communal areas or to individual bed-bound residents. Images can be projected onto a tabletop or onto the floor for larger groups and games.

The floor projection is ideal for those who are able to ambulate. For example, they can walk or wheel across a virtual nature trail, scattering leaves along the way. Non-ambulatory residents can enjoy the same experience using their feet from a seated position.

Its versatility is appreciated by staff members. They can adjust the volume, control the object speed, and easily create custom content with photos of family members or special events.

Residents can push tiny seashells, resting in shallow tropical water, into a pile. They can watch the water ripple and listen to the sounds of the sea.

Or toss a beanbag into a puddle. Watch and hear the splashes.

They might wipe away the image of an old-fashioned candy shop with a hand or baton to reveal childhood sweets, or use a feather duster to wipe away steam and reveal a train with actual family members peering out the windows.

They can tap on moving eggs and crack them open, using hands, feet, a cane or a walker.

Care homes report that while the physical activity and powerful visuals help improve their residents’ physical fitness, they also reduce apathy, stress and anxiety.

With the Mobii, these visuals can include greenery, birds, trees and gardens. Research shows that nature experiences – even virtual versions – can boost emotional well-being and awaken feelings of happiness and peace.

For family members, interacting with the Mobii helps remove the pressure of struggling to make conversation with an elderly loved one. Family visits are more exciting for everyone when they know that they can play together with the Mobii.

A 2018 research study of 89 care homes in the U.K. found that 96 percent of respondents would recommend the Mobii. Additional findings showed that:

• 90 percent of respondents felt the Mobii had a positive impact on their residents’ physical ability, participation and movements; and
• 75 percent felt the Mobii had helped their most withdrawn residents

General survey comments were equally enthusiastic: “Our residents love it!” “Their lives are more fulfilled.” “They don’t notice they’re being physically active.” “It brings residents out of themselves.” “It’s great to see them interacting with each other.”

There is a current move away from the idea that long-term care homes are solely medical treatment centres.

“Stimulating and engaging all older adults, especially those living with dementia, with meaningful person-centered activities is so important in care homes, centres and hospital settings,” said Gwen Rose, vice-president of Toronto-based Sensory One, and North American distributor of the Mobii Magic Surface and other innovative and unique sensory products.

“There’s a strong move toward an emotion- based model of care, which focuses on the idea that a long-term care home is a resident’s home,” said Rose, who practised as a physiotherapist in long-term care for over 14 years. “With this model, there’s an added focus, beyond providing basic care, of helping people to live well by giving them a sense of belonging and opportunities for vibrancy. The Mobii stimulates physical, cognitive and social engagement and contributes to emotional well-being.”

At Lanark, staff members particularly appreciate the Mobii’s portability and versatility.

“If a resident is having a tough day, they can easily take the Mobii directly to that person and then have dozens of activity options to choose from,” says Nickel.

It helps staff members more easily make a connection with residents by stimulating conversation, activity and fond memories. For withdrawn residents, it encourages them to interact and communicate with others.

And at Lanark, it is not just the residents who are benefiting from the technology.

“We’ve included the Mobii in family council meetings, a staff holiday luncheon, and several other staff events,” Nickel says.