Sensory Stimulation for the elderly

As we get older, it is common for one or more of our senses to decline, impacting our quality of life. Just about everything we do, and our enjoyment of it, revolves around our senses.

Think about your everyday tasks, eating a meal, having a shower, conversing with a friend – all of these involve one or more of your senses. For some people the decline in a sense or senses can be minor but for others it can be more drastic.

Activities that use sensory stimulation have been shown to have many benefits for those who are older, especially those with conditions such as stroke and dementia, and can really make a difference to their lives.

What is sensory stimulation?

Sensory stimulation is where one or more of your senses is activated through activity. The 5 main senses are sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste. Sensory stimulation is used with children to teach them about life, but it is also an effective technique with older adults to keep them engaged.
 

What are the benefits of sensory stimulation?

Some of the benefits of sensory stimulation for the elderly include:

- Improved mood

- Increased self esteem

- Increased concentration & focus

- Foster relaxation

- Improved social skills & connections

Sensory Stimulation Activities

Sensory stimulation activities can range from something simple such as listening to music to something more complex and multisensory as a walk in the garden.

Here are a few simple sensory stimulation activities that you can try with your elderly relative, friend or client by sense.

Sight

- Look out the window and observe what’s around

- Looking through photo albums or a relevant picture book

- Watch a nature documentary or their favourite film

Touch

- A gentle hand massage (add a nice smelling lotion to also engage smell)

- Brush their hair or give them a manicure

- Do some gardening e.g.: potting a plant

- Do some arts & crafts

- Use a sensory blanket

- Organise for a calm pet such as a dog or rabbit to come and visit.

Hearing

- Read a book or poem to them

- Listen to their favourite music

- Listen to sounds of nature such as birds, waves, rain etc.

Smell

- Cook their favourite meal

- Make some bread or a cake

- Play guess the scent with food

- Create a flower arrangement or garden box with scented flowers

- Use an aromatherapy vaporiser or burner

Taste

- Eat their favourite foods 

All of these activities can potentially help you to engage with them, relax them, bring back fond memories and bring them some joy.

Deciding on which Sensory stimulation activities are suitable

When you are thinking of using sensory stimulation activities always consider the individual involved. Think about their background, condition or illness, likes and dislikes and choose your activities accordingly. Remember, your aim is to increase the persons quality of life.

Too much stimulation

Always be conscious of the reactions and emotions of the person you are trying to help. Be careful not to overstimulate them as this can have the opposite effect.