A Space for the Senses: Dementia Care Home Opens New Sensory Room
Residents living with dementia at Chirk Court Care Home in Chirk near Wrexham, have benefitted from the addition of a welcoming and calming sensory space. The home’s Sensory Room, which opened at the end of September, funded by a community grant from The Cadbury Foundation, has offered residents and staff a place to relax, connect, engage their senses and enjoy all that the new environment has to offer.
Thanks to a generous community grant from the Cadbury Foundation’s ‘Your Charity, Your Choice’ scheme, Chirk Court was chosen to receive £5,000. Manager Jane Humphreys knew immediately what would be of most benefit to the 66 residents at the home.
“We’re incredibly thankful to the Cadbury Foundation and to Ian Evans who works at the local Cadbury factory, for nominating Chirk Court. The staff and I have worked hard to get the room finished and the completed space is fabulous.”
The room, which is fully accessible, opens-up a whole world of possibilities. Residents can visit with their carers or with relatives, to enjoy the calming effects of the multi-sensory space.
One of the key focal points is a large bubble tube, that combines gentle motion, colour changing light and visual stimulus. Other highlights include:
- A projector which creates an immersive visual experience on the ceiling
- Scent technology designed to evoke memories.
- Interactive Sound-Activated Light Panel
- Tactile and textured items which offer different sensory experiences
- Two companion pets – realistic robotic pups, that are activated by motion and touch
- A sensory memories area, containing products and items which the residents may have used in years gone by
Resident Richard has loved using the voice activated light and sound panel; singing some of his favourite songs to initiate the interactive light show.
While resident Olive found a sense of calm, as she sat and watched the bubble tube change colour.
Resident Rosie enjoyed spending time with the interactive robot pet puppy, which sparked memories of family dogs, and immediately brought a smile.
How can Sensory Environments Benefit People Living with Dementia?
- Reduces anxiety by providing a calm, soothing environment that can help residents feel more relaxed and secure.
- Supports emotional wellbeing by creating opportunities for comfort, enjoyment and positive feelings.
- Encourages reminiscence and engagement through familiar sights, sounds, textures and scents.
- Promotes relaxation and better sleep by helping individuals unwind, particularly during periods of restlessness, or distress.
- Provides sensory stimulation tailored to individual needs, helping residents remain engaged with their surroundings and experience a sense of connection.
In the future, the team at Chirk Court hopes to open the Sensory Room to the wider community; and intends to invite local schools, nurseries, neurodiversity and disability support groups or anyone who would benefit from the experience, to come and visit.
To find out more about Chirk Court visit: Chirk Court – Clwydalyn
Or to see recent unbiased reviews visit: Chirk Court care home, Maes y Waun, Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5ND | 177 Reviews
