1,721,007 research outputs found
Multisensory stimulation to improve function performance in older people with dementia
No full textDementia currently affects over 30 million people worldwide. (Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2005). Clinicians and healthcare managers report dissatisfaction with current healthcare options available for people with dementia. Multisensory Environments (MSEs) utilise advanced sensory stimulating equipment that targets the senses. MSEs have been successfully used in dementia care, severe learning disabilities and palliative care (Staal et al, 2007). Despite this, only limited studies have been conducted to explore the efficacy of this intervention on mood and behaviour. Objective: To explore to what extent, if any, do MSEs influence the mood and behaviour of people with dementia compared with a control activity (gardening)? Method: Thirty participants were selected from people with a diagnosis of moderate / severe dementia (Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination; SMMSE scores 0 – 17), in residential care within the UK. Participants were allocated to one of two groups (MSE or gardening). Following baseline assessment (GBS Scale, SMMSE, PAL Occupational Profile, Adult Sensory Profile), each participant took part in their allocated intervention 3 x week for 4 weeks. Binded assessment was carried out before and after each session using the Neurobehavioural Rating Scale (NRS). Results: Only results from the NRS will be reported in this paper. Analysis was conducted using intention to treat analysis. Results revealed a significant main effect of intervention (P = .001) on mood and behaviour. When variable end points were analysed a significant main effect of intervention was also identified (P = .001). Sessional analysis and number of sessions for which improvement was made revealed significant improvement in mood and behaviour for the MSE group (P = .008). Conclusion: Improvement in mood and behaviour may be indicative of enhanced sensory processing and reduction of environmental demand facilitated in the MSE. These findings may have implications for OTs working with people with<br/
Exploring the multisensory environment as a leisure resource for people with complex neurological disability
No full textThe problems experienced by people with neurological disabilities create barriers to participation in leisure activities. Particular common features include cognitive deficits (attention, executive functioning, language and memory), functional difficulties (in activities of daily living), psychomotor impairment (dyspraxia and poor co-ordination), and behavioural difficulties (aggression, agitation, and wandering). The Multi-sensory environment (MSE) has the potential to accommodate some of these problems experienced by people with neurological disabilities and, as such, is a valuable leisure resource. Multi-sensory activity can address individual sensory needs, such as offering a stronger stimulus if initial attempts are unnoticed, and be offered alongside familiar activities and routines to enhance sensory awareness. If the complexity of the activity, individual needs, and MSE demands are matched, engagement in this activity may be achieved. The Pool Activity Level Occupational Profiling Tool can provide a protocol from which MSE activity may be facilitated. By using this tool the MSE fits well within the World Health Organisation International Classification of functioning, Disability and Health by facilitating participation and reducing environmental barriers.<br/
The Multisensory Environment (MSE) in dementia care: examining its role and quality from a user perspective
Full text link© 2016, © The Author(s) 2016. Background: Multisensory environments (MSEs) for people with dementia have been available over 20 years but are used in an ad hoc manner using an eclectic range of equipment. Care homes have endeavored to utilize this approach but have struggled to find a design and approach that works for this setting. Aims: Study aims were to appraise the evolving concept of MSEs from a user perspective, to study the aesthetic and functional qualities, to identify barriers to staff engagement with a sensory environment approach, and to identify design criteria to improve the potential of MSE for people with dementia. Methods: Data were collected from 16 care homes with experience of MSE using ethnographic methods, incorporating semi-structured interviews, and observations of MSE design. Analysis was undertaken using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results: Observations revealed equipment that predominantly stimulated vision and touch. Thematic analysis of the semi-structured interviews revealed six themes: not knowing what to do in the room, good for people in the later stages of the disease, reduces anxiety, it’s a good activity, design and setting up of the space, and including relatives and care staff. Conclusion: Few MSEs in care homes are designed to meet needs of people with dementia, and staff receive little training in how to facilitate sessions. As such, MSEs are often underused despite perceived benefits. Results of this study have been used to identify the design principles that have been reviewed by relevant stakeholders
Chapter 14. Leisure as a route to social and occupational justice for individuals with profound levels of disability
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The use of multi-sensory stimulation to improve functional performance in older people with dementia: a randomised single blind trial
No full textDementia affects over 750,000 people in the UK (Alzheimer’s society, 2003). Clinicians and healthcare managers report dissatisfaction with current healthcare options available for people with dementia (Stubbings & Sharp, 1999). Multisensory Environments (MSEs) utilising advanced sensory stimulating equipment targeting the senses, have been successfully used in dementia care, severe learning disabilities and palliative care (Baker et al, 1997). Despite this, no controlled studies have been conducted to explore the efficacy of this intervention on functional performance. This study explores to what extent, if any, MSEs influence function, mood and behaviour of people with moderate / severe dementia compared with a control activity (gardening). In addition, sensory needs were identified using the Adult Sensory Profile to explore whether sensory preferences are associated with improved performance. Participants were selected from people with a diagnosis of moderate / severe dementia. They were randomly allocated to one of two groups (MSE or gardening). Following baseline assessment, each participant attended their allocated intervention 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Assessment was carried out before and after each session using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (function) and the Neurobehavioural Rating Scale (mood and behaviour). Results revealed a significant main effect of intervention in both function and mood and behaviour. Sessional analysis revealed significant improvement in motor performance for the MSE group. Overall, both activities were found to improve function and mood and behaviour. Participants who attended the MSE group and improved significantly in function fell within the low registration quadrant of the sensory profile. This suggests that the MSE is more suitable for those who require increased sensory stimulation. This study supports the use of sensory activity for people with moderate / severe dementia and recommends the use of the PAL and Adult Sensory Profile to plan and facilitate activity
An exploration of the experience of using calendar reminders for people with dementia and family carers
Full text linkPeople with dementia and family carers often use calendars to support time orientation to maintain routine. However, little is known about the use of calendars as a compensatory strategy. This study examines the experience and practicalities of using calendar reminders from the perspective of people with dementia and family carers. Six dyads were recruited and interviewed at home. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to develop a narrative interpreted from an occupational therapy perspective. The themes were reflected on during two subsequent focus groups. Findings suggested that calendars are used either intensively as external memory records or more casually and randomly for reassurance. The familiarity and location of the calendar and its utility to the person with dementia and carer, all contribute to its efficacy. For carers the experience of supporting calendar reminders encompasses practical, cognitive and emotional effort. There was little awareness amongst participants of electronic assistive technology
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