This is Mike, a 85-year-old man with difficulties with sensory integration and sensory processing. He has recently moved into a care home after a number of falls at home that left his family concerned that he was not able to manage independently in his own home.
For a big part of his life, he participated in adventure sports and he misses the thrills of skiing down a slope or a fast bike ride. Mike’s mobility has declined to the point where he needs a wheelchair for longer distances and going out in the community.
To see how difficulties with sensory processing and integration can affect older adults in everyday life, take a look at a typical day in Mike’s life.
It is time to get ready for the day and have a shower. Mike is waiting for a shower chair as he no longer feels comfortable standing up in the shower, even with rails to hold on to. He finds that he loses his balance when he lets go of the support rails. Yesterday, he also scalded himself as he didn’t realise how hot the water was when he turned it on, so a healthcare assistant offered to set the shower to the correct heating setting for him.
Sensory Integration Challenge: Sensory under responsivity: tactile, difficulty with vestibular processing (balance)
Mike attends an exercise group organised by a physiotherapist and occupational therapist. Wheelchair dancing has recently been added to the programme, and it is the highlight of his week. It gives him the opportunity to spin around and move fast, which he enjoys and doesn’t get the opportunity to do very often.
Sensory Integration Challenge: Sensory under responsivity: vestibular (movement seeking)
Mike is getting ready for lunch in the communal dining room. He hopes that today’s lunch will be less bland. He has found that as he has gotten older, his ability to taste different flavours has declined, making eating less enjoyable. His doctor has advised that he needs to increase his calorie intake, and a dietician has been advising the catering team on cooking food with more intense flavours, but this has not always been implemented.
Sensory Integration Challenge: Sensory under responsivity: gustatory
The care home has organised a woodwork workshop for residents. Mike is excited to attend, as he used to make wooden furniture as a hobby when he was younger. However, his grip strength is no longer what it used to be, and he has to pay attention to what he does, as his ability to discriminate by touch has decreased.
Sensory Integration Challenge: Difficulties with tactile discrimination
Mike is getting ready to go to bed. He has been suffering from insomnia for a few weeks now. His daughter bought him a weighted blanket that she read might help. He is looking forward to trying it and seeing if it makes a difference.
Sensory Integration Challenge: Difficulties with regulation and arousal
This short course will help you better understand the senses and how we process information from our senses. It will introduce you to what sensory issues can look like in a child’s behaviour and engagement and how to support them.
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Free online course for therapists seeking to learn about Ayres Sensory Integration and its relevance to their clinical practice.
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Free guide for Occupational Therapists on the impact that sensory integration training will have on their career and practice.
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With Stephanie Ruppel, Occupational Therapist, Advanced SI Practitioner, and Postgraduate Education Director at SIE and Penny Stewart, Occupational Therapist, Lead for Academic Programmes at SIE
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