Activity project integrated interactive play for residents in older person service

Description

This is an activity project integrated with a snoezelen room and interactive play by introducing magic table/towertafel for residents with dementia and non-dementia diagnosis in older person service .The Multisensory rooms includes a projector with videos of natural habitats with sounds which can make a significant contribution to the residents quality of life in line with managing challenging behaviour, mood disorders etc. Towertafel is an interactive play system comes with a projector and different levels of play from bubble busting ,sweeping the leaves, growing vegetables etc .The are individual and group activities in this programme and highly user-friendly as it works with a remote control with simple operation. This is a project which allowed the staff to connect to the residents through purposeful play Tovertafel and gentle stimulation for residents that can reduce stress, tension and allows recuperation in a controlled multisensory environment by a Snoezelen room. We can see that our residents begin to move and it puts a smile back on people’s faces and encourages interaction. This not only affects the residents, but also their environment such as family and care workers. Being able to play together and to make contact is essential, so that people get to know each other better and connects people. This project promotes healthy ageing in elderly by maintaining and increasing functional capacity and social interaction.

Aim of Initiative

The purposeful play focus on strengths, stimulates self-confidence and a sense of self-esteem among the residents. Participate in meaningful activities helps the residents to feel good about themselves, support wellbeing and independence and also gives purpose to live. Multisensory rooms/snoezelen toom relieve the pain and stress associated with dementia and it also helps to improve the residents’ ability to focus, communicate, and remember.

Who is it aimed at

Mainly aimed for resident living in older person services with dementia and non dementia diagnosis.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Sustainability: Engage with all stake holders to ensure their involvement and understanding of the project to make it sustainable. Involve resident to develop activities to meet individual preferences ,interest and capacities.
   All staff are encouraged to take responsibility of supporting activities with residents including multisensory enrichment. An understanding was fostered that the multisensory therapy are not only helpful in times of resident’s distress but can positively enhance the residents’ quality of life. Staff training on the equipment and education on the benefits of the multisensory room facilitated the programme successful.
2. Perpetual review of implemented process to identify any further requirements in line with education ,understanding and usage of the system. Measure the project through KPIs, audits and satisfaction surveys.
3. Share the learning and outcome to other service providers in the HSE/Company for the greater benefits of the other service users.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Finding activities for the residents to meet their individual preferences, capacities and interest. Lack of awareness among the staff about the same.
2. Lack of participation of the family as they consider the older adults no longer need to undertake activities.
3. Lack of input from the professional involved prior to admission to the nursing home .

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. The outcome of the multisensory room is the residents showed increased level of concentration and ability to focus . It also provided them an opportunity to recall past experience and happy memories .Improved mood ,self esteem and overall well being for our residents. More participation in the social activities and interaction with other fellow residents, staff ,family and friends. This allowed our residents to stay in the moment and interact with their current surroundings.
2. The meaningful activities focusing on residents ability reduced number of falls and safeguarding concerns in line with challenging behaviors ,skin tears etc .This also improved the overall KPIs of the service reflecting a high quality care for the residents in our care .
3. The outcome for the staff are increased well being, improved interpersonal relationship with resident with dementia and increased job satisfaction . It also promotes more relaxed work environment with less challenging behaviors from residents . Less time investment on documentation and investigation on incidents related to falls ,skin tear and safeguarding concerns. Reduced call bells promotes more focus on productive and satisfactory holistic person centered resident care