In the previous edition of the newsletter Norwood shared their experience with the Pamela Barnet Sensory Space Project. This time they share two case studies highlighting the impact the Sensory Space has.
Case study- Bry*- Ravenswood Resident
Bry is non-verbal, with very limited movement and she tends to withdraw from people if her mood is low. In order to support Bry we have provided one-to-one sessions in the sensory room, which have helped her because the sensory experiences are distracting and helps her to re-engage with her surroundings and has allowed more social interaction with her carers.
The use of the new sensory equipment has enabled Bry to communicate her choices more clearly through eye pointing. She indicates clearly what holds her interest through her gaze and facial expression if she is not interested, Bry will look away or not respond. Her preferences tend to be visual, which has made the projected interactive images provided by the Omi Reflex projector particularly beneficial, as Bry can look at them directly and track their movements across the screen.
Because of Bry’s very limited movement, the use of the mobile magic carpet has been adapted for her by projecting images on a tabletop which is extended by using a white sheet over her lap so she can look down on the pictures and touch the image movements to cause an effect. When Bry is completely engaged, her arms and hands relax, enabling her to press a switch to operate an interactive toy or bubble machine. She demonstrates a clear understanding of cause and effect by repeating the action without prompting if she enjoys the result, giving a tiny smile at the end.
The refreshed sensory provision has had a very positive impact for Bry it has helped her reestablish some old skills and enhanced her levels of engagement and well-being. What the staff have noticed is that the more Bry engages with the sensory provision in the home, the more Bry is able to transfer the communication skills learnt to other areas and activities using her eye movements.
Case Study Laura – Ravenswood Support Worker
Laura, one of the support workers at Pamela Barnet, has been working closely with the new sensory equipment. Through direct practical application, she has increased her understanding of the methods of communication best suited to the individuals she supports. This understanding has transferred into her daily tasks, making life easier in the home.
For many years, Ravenswood has benefited from the Karten Network funded sensory room in the precinct. Norwood is keen that knowledge is more widely applied by staff to enable the people we support. The renewed interest in the sensory area has provided Laura with development opportunities to create new sensory activities. This new responsibility has enhanced her role as she can use new equipment to add to the care provided, increasing engagement, regulation and communication in imaginative ways to benefit the people she supports.
Laura has reported that she’s noticed a renewed uptake in staff members taking individuals to the sensory room since the new equipment has arrived. The people we support have been using the facilities more regularly which has increased their alertness and engagement.
Laura explained that having more flexibility with the range of equipment allowed staff to respond more spontaneously to the needs of the people in their care, providing calming activities should someone be distressed. It also enabled staff to offer alternative sensory activities during bad weather or when other activities are cancelled. Also, being able to move the mobile projectors along with smaller items means the equipment is more fully used.
Laura has been planning with Wendy, future sensory themes and is keen to link other activities in and outside the home. For example, using a jungle theme with sensory stories link them with jungle art projects to decorate the home, taste sessions if appropriate, and an off-site visit to the Living Rainforest Experience.
Laura said, “I am keen to get a more structured timetable for the sensory room in place so all the residents can benefit more regularly from the enhanced facility. I have seen the benefits of the sensory provision for different individuals, and their sensory preferences should form part of their person-centred activity planning.”
Impact
- The purchase of the additional mobile sensory equipment has enabled more variety and flexibility, as certain activities can be taken to individual flats or bedrooms as needed. For example, Jay* had become quite distressed and the Mobile Magic Carpet and fibre optics were taken to his room. This created a calming sensory activity which helped him to refocus, improving his mood and regulation. An additional positive outcome was the increased confidence of the staff to respond in a proactive way. The flexibility, simplicity and ease of use of items such as the Magic-Carpet and Omi-Reflex projector have encouraged more use of the equipment, therefore benefiting the people we support.
- Staff have been able to refresh their approaches to working with the people we support in the sensory room. Closer observation of the responses from the people we support has increased staff understanding of individuals sensory preferences, communication methods and social interaction.
- Staff have been enabled to develop more detailed ‘sensory profiles and how to work with me’ documents so new or agency staff have a reference point when engaging with an individual in the sensory room. This continues as a developmental piece of work.
- With the investment in new equipment, a further outcome has been that the Pamela Barnet home has appointed a member of staff to focus on and co-ordinate the sensory activities provided. This has helped to embed and drive the thematic sensory approach so that good practice is developed with the staff, while ensuring full use of the equipment.
- The impact of the new mobile sensory equipment has resulted in an increase in equipment being used.
- Development includes further thematic approaches not only in the sensory space but linked with other activities around the home. The aim is to create immersive experiences in the form of events, including a themed sensory story space in decorated areas around the home created by in house art activities, themed food and music.
- Encouraging staff to take imaginative, creative ideas that incorporate sensory diets will- further benefit the people we support.
Next Steps for sensory provision at Ravenwood
- To embed the use of the sensory provision within individual’s person-centred plan. Completing sensory profiles.
- Continue to widen staff awareness and skills within the sensory provision through ongoing training.
- Plan new sensory activities for the coming year and keep the momentum going!
Norwood’s use of Assistive Technology (AT) is at a critical point. Transitioning from older analogue to digital technology. Aiming to consolidate and embed its extensive organisational knowledge and expertise gained over the past decade. By prioritising user engagement, empowering individuals, and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, Norwood can create a future where digital technology serves as a powerful tool for enhancing the lives of the individuals we support.
We are tremendously grateful to The Karten Network for your continued support. We appreciate your ongoing partnership as we work to enhance the lives of those in our in our community.
Thank you!
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- This article was written by the Norwood Ravenswood Karten Centre
- Featured in the Karten Summer 2024 Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: Case Study, Centre News