Sensory Integration Education

Across the lifespan, we all process sensory information differently. Still, sometimes these sensory processing differences can impact our ability to engage in the tasks we want and need to do. A study has found a high prevalence of reduced ability to register sensory information in older adults which in turn impacts their participation in daily activities. The same study found a significant percentage of older adults can be over-responsive to sensory information and easily overwhelmed by their surroundings. In addition to these sensory modulation difficulties, older adults can also present with difficulties with balance and reduced motor and postural control as part of the natural ageing process. For example, the decline in proprioceptive abilities increases the risk of falls among older adults.

These sensory differences can show up at any part of the day but particularly impact meal times and social interaction. In your own home, you have a say in the type of food you eat and individuals usually buy food depending on their tastes and preferences. Individuals in care homes do not have this same freedom. Therefore, it is important their sensory preferences are acknowledged and understood. The same goes for smells, decorations and other sensory stimuli in this environment. Not being able to control their sensory environment can be dysregulating and that's before we even start to consider difficulties with sensory processing and integration.

In care homes, being aware of and considerate of individuals’ sensory processing differences has implications for communal spaces, bedrooms, activities and general health and safety. Ideally, care homes should cater both for those who require more intense sensory input to register information and for those who are easily overwhelmed. For example, when considering communal spaces, older adults who seek more sensory input will benefit from options to move and stand, opportunities for tactile stimulation, interesting visuals and bright colours. On the other hand, those who are hyper-responsive and get easily agitated or distracted by sensory input will benefit from less visual clutter, acoustics that are not overwhelming and more intimate spaces. One way to achieve this is to create different zones to allow for different sensory preferences. Alongside these, practical considerations for those with motor difficulties, reduced mobility or those at risk of falling are also crucial.

In addition to environmental adaptations and strategies, physical activities and interventions that address sensory modulation are some of the sensory interventions that are helpful to support the sensory needs and preferences of care home residents. Research has shown that these interventions can contribute to an enhanced quality of life for care home residents. Some of the other benefits of sensory interventions include: improved sleep quality in older adults with dementia; maintaining cognitive function, including memory, attention and executive function; an enhanced mood; and better postural control. Overall, there are multiple benefits to using a sensory approach in care homes.

PS If you’re a healthcare professional working in a care home setting and want to learn more about how to support older adults with sensory processing differences, why not take a look at our Certified Sensory Inclusion Facilitator course. This is an online course allowing you to study at your own pace with virtual tutor support via an online interactive forum and drop in sessions. Find out more here.