Enhance wellbeing with sensory stimulation

The ability to see, hear, touch, smell and taste is so central to human experience that we often take it for granted. But for many elderly people, the gradual decline or loss of the senses is a daily battle that diminishes their quality of life.

As we get older, our shrinking taste buds and disappearing nerve endings mean a degree of sensory loss is unavoidable. But if it goes ignored or undetected, the consequences for those impacted can be significant.

The inability to hear increases cognitive load on other senses and as such, can increase the risk of a fall, while the loss of taste can lead to rapid weight loss and reduced participation in family meals. The inability to physically feel can mean cuts and burns go unnoticed and untreated, often becoming infected.

Psychologically, the inability to communicate can cause depression and see people withdraw from social interactions.

In fact, recent research indicates sensory loss is one of the leading causes of suicide among the elderly in Australia.

For those living with Alzheimer’s disease, loss of the senses often exacerbates feelings of fear and confusion.

The positive news is there are early signs to look out for, allowing you to support those affected.

Preventing sensory decline

The best preventative steps include regular hearing and vision checks. It’s also important to adhere to medication schedules and have a proper understanding of the impact of certain medications on the senses.

In terms of early warning signs, if people respond unusually during conversations, or attend fewer social interactions than they did previously, it may be a sign they are experiencing hearing loss. If they are using more salt or sugar than they have before, or have a decreased appetite, they may be experiencing the loss of taste or smell.

If you suspect those in your care are experiencing sensory loss, there are steps you can take to restore a level of normalcy to their daily lives.

Stimulating the senses

Sensory stimulation is the practice of using everyday objects to provoke positive feelings in the senses, and to test receptiveness to certain sensations.

While it’s best to engage a therapist experienced in the area to tailor solutions to an individual’s needs and monitor the reactions to stimuli, there are steps you can begin to take to activate the parts of the brain responsible for receptivity.

Taste: You can test someone’s ability to perceive basic tastes by providing samples of bitter, sweet, salty and sour flavours. The latter, in fact, is known to stimulate taste buds. By introducing varied meals enhanced by herbs and spices, as well as new and varied cultural dishes, fruit and vegetables, you can help them engage their taste buds and develop new patterns of perception.

Sight: Ensure the best visual experience by providing contrasting environments that help the person in your care perceive shapes, edges, and boundaries more clearly. This could involve setting up bright colours in activity rooms and restful colours in lounge and dining areas, or assembling food with contrasting colours on plates. You can also assist them with hanging non-abstract paintings and photographs on their walls, as the discernable subject matter provides clear visual cues that are easier to interpret.

Smell: Try placing scented flowers in the person’s room, aiming for easily recognisable types such as rose or lavender. You can also encourage them to use aromatherapy, perfumed massage creams and oils, or create a sensory garden with herbs. These measures encourage people to focus on their sense of smell, helping to maintain awareness of olfactory sensations.

Hearing: It’s time to diversify that Spotify playlist. You can assist people with enhancing the activity of their auditory systems by providing access to different kinds of music, as well as different music experiences like singing and clapping. Other experiences to encourage diversity include playing television shows, group games, debates, quizzes and concerts. Be mindful to avoid too much volume or loud advertisements on commercial radio or TV.

Touch: It’s important to provide access to a variety of textures and avenues for tactile exploration. This could be as simple as providing rugs, throws, cushions and clothing with different textures, or organising activities such as gardening, food handling, animal therapy, exercise and movement to music, with outings in the sun provided in moderate amounts.

Families play the most critical role in supporting loved ones experiencing sensory loss by assisting with activities, regularly engaging in conversation and monitoring for signs of decline. But often a lack of time or knowledge can lead to gaps in the levels of care provided. In these cases, round-the-clock expert care with help from trained therapists allows those affected to participate in activity programs tailored to stimulate the senses, ensuring their best chance at progress.

In addressing sensory decline, the focus is not on eliminating challenges but on adapting and thriving despite them. By embracing sensory stimulation, we can give those affected the chance to lead lives filled with meaning and connection.

Lee Carissa – a registered nurse – is chief executive officer of Cranbrook Care

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