How to Equip a Sensory Stimulation Room

Whether you need a relaxing retreat for yourself or have a loved one who needs a soothing place to chill out during the day, a sensory stimulation room can provide the sanctuary from hustle that you need. It is also a great place for elderly or differently-abled persons to get the stimulation they need to encourage them to interact with their environment and increase or maintain functional skills. Here is how to equip a sensory stimulation room.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. First, decide where you want to build your sensory room. You may wish to use black curtains hung from rails on the ceiling, or wall off a portion of a large room if you do not already have a room available to convert.
2. Next, decide whether you want an all purpose sensory room, a relaxation room, or a sensory integration room. A relaxation room might include dark walls with black light fixtures; an aromatherapy machine; soothing sounds such as waterfalls, bird calls, or chimes; a massage chair; therapy balls or ottomans to elevate feet; a beanbag or Fuf ® chair; and a therapy mat large enough to stretch out full length. The therapy mat is particularly helpful to persons who use a wheelchair, as it gives them an opportunity to relieve pressure on their seats, thighs, and legs. A massage chair, particularly if it is also a reclining lift chair, will also benefit someone who uses a wheelchair or has limited range of motion in their limbs.
3. A sensory integration room, on the other hand, is designed to encourage interaction, whether through speaking; singing; gesturing; using paint, clay, sand or gel to stimulate the senses; tracking via colored motion lights, lava lamps, disco balls, or gel lens projectors; weighted vests; hand held massagers; small hand instruments, glow sticks and glow light arrays; water fountains; and black light objects. In an integration room, the idea is to stimulate as many of the senses as possible, getting the individual fully involved in activities. A combination room would have all the equipment listed for both rooms, but only one set of equipment would be in use at a time.
4. A search on therapeutic recreation, Snoezelen (R), or sensory integration should lead you to a wealth of sites offering activities using items in your sensory stimulation room for all ages, designed to stimulate or relax all the senses.