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'Finding the person the disease has'--the case for multisensory environments
K W Hope1, R Easby, H Waterman
1School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting, Coupland Building III, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9 PL, UK. Kevin.hope@man.ac.uk
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
|September 29, 2004
Summary
Multisensory environments (MSEs) can improve dementia care by positively influencing how clinical staff perceive their clients. This approach offers significant, yet untapped, potential for enhancing the quality of care for older adults with dementia.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Dementia Care
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Problem identification in action research highlighted a need for improved clinical staff training.
- Exposure to multisensory environments (MSEs) was introduced to address these findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of multisensory environments (MSEs) on clinical staff perceptions.
- To explore the potential of MSEs in improving care for older adults with dementia.
Main Methods:
- Action research methodology was employed.
- Clinical staff received education and exposure to MSEs.
- Focus groups and one-to-one interviews gathered feedback on staff experiences and perceptions.
Main Results:
- Staff reported changes in their perception of clients after using MSEs.
- Feedback indicated a positive influence on subsequent client care.
- MSEs were perceived to mediate the carer's perception of the client.
Conclusions:
- Multisensory environments (MSEs) represent a significant potential for improving dementia care quality.
- MSEs can positively impact care by altering formal carers' perceptions of clients.
- Further realization of MSE potential in dementia care is recommended.