Multi-sensory stimulation rooms for persons with dementia: Design-on-a-dime (May 10, 2022)

Behaviours in persons with dementia are a common reason for institutionalization.  Occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants are often asked by caregivers for interventions that will help to reduce behaviours.  This webinar will give some practical strategies for addressing behaviours.

This webinar reviews the background and incidence of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.  It describes best practice and evidence-based guidelines regarding the engagement of residents living with dementia in daily activities that support their health and sense of well-being.  Participants will be introduced to the benefits and limitations of sensory stimulation for persons with dementia and how sensory stimulation can positively impact the person living with dementia and reduce behaviours that staff consider to be “problematic.”  This webinar will share various factors to consider when designing a space and will learn how to set up a room or a space in their community using best practice design principles and a “design on a dime” approach.

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Identify calming and stimulating sensory interventions for persons with dementia and the benefits of multi-sensory stimulation for persons living with dementia.
2. Enumerate design principles to consider when designing a multi-sensory space. 
3. Recognize everyday objects, activities, lo-tech and sensory inputs to include in a multi-sensory environment to facilitate purposeful engagement. 

Level 
Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific area of practice