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[Sensory stimulation: new apparatus for demented men]
1TU Delft, Subfaculteit Industrieel Ontwerpen, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft.
Tijdschrift Voor Gerontologie En Geriatrie
|December 6, 2001
Summary
New sensory materials, including a mirrorbox and tactile items, show feasibility for engaging elderly men with dementia. Observations revealed significant interest in the novel constructions and materials, particularly those made of wood and metal.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Occupational Therapy
- Material Science
Background:
- Elderly individuals with dementia often experience sensory deficits.
- Developing engaging and sensorily stimulating materials is crucial for their well-being.
- Existing therapeutic materials may lack sufficient novelty or sensory variety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of novel sensorily stimulating materials for elderly men with dementia.
- To observe behavioral responses to new materials and constructions.
- To determine user interest in specific material properties and functionalities.
Main Methods:
- Observation of behavior in response to five distinct sensory materials.
- Materials included a mirrorbox, stroboscope, bell toy, cogwheels, and tactile sandpaper box.
- Participants were seven elderly men diagnosed with dementia.
Main Results:
- Demented men exhibited clear verbal and nonverbal signs of interest.
- High engagement was noted with wooden and metal materials.
- Interest was also observed in the mechanical operation of the constructions.
Conclusions:
- The developed sensorily stimulating materials are feasible for use with elderly demented men.
- Combinations of different materials and constructions can create a comprehensive 'snoezelproduct'.
- Wood and metal materials, along with interactive elements, appear particularly engaging.