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Examples of TR sensory stimulation activities
This is an excerpt from Therapeutic Recreation Leadership and Programming-2nd Edition by Robin Kunstler,Frances Stavola Daly.
Sensory stimulation is an ideal program to offer at bedside because even residents who appear unresponsive may be aware of the stimuli, and those who can respond may enjoy and benefit from the sensations, which keep them aware and engaged with the world around them (Best-Martini et al., 2018). Sensory stimulation is the input received through the five senses: hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch. One sense at a time may be stimulated, or a combination of senses can be. “Multi-sensory experiences may promote positive emotions and resilience” (Richeson and Kemeny, 2019, p. 155). Stimulating existing senses as well as those that are diminished benefits the individual. Sensory stimulation may be used to try to provoke responses, which may reduce the severity and duration of a coma, and to reactivate senses that have become dulled from illness or lack of use. TRS/RTs should carefully record the stimulus provided and observe the response exhibited by the resident (such as the movement of a body part, eye movements, changes in breathing patterns, facial expressions). Observe whether the resident seems pleased or uncomfortable. The goal is not to provoke a negative reaction unless this has been agreed on by the treatment team.
Auditory and Visual Stimulation Forms of auditory stimulation include playing music or singing; reading aloud from stories, poems, letters, or other texts; telling jokes; and using a sound machine, bells, or chimes. Sounds that incorporate a resident’s former interests may be stimulating, such as the sound of a nail being hammered for a woodworker or applause for a performer. Anything that makes a sound—such as crumpling or tearing paper, jiggling coins or keys, even bouncing a ball—can be used. Sounds can be recorded or produced live by the TRS/RT. Visual stimulation should also be provided. Pictures, photos, maps, and any objects with bright, contrasting colors can be held up and moved in and out of the resident’s visual field. Images can be abstract or realistic. Using mirrors and flashlights can enhance visual stimulation. The TRS/RT can describe the sounds and sights to the resident as each one is presented, allowing time for the resident to experience the stimuli, and then state what just happened: “Mrs. Garcia, I see you moving your eyes to look at these bright pictures. That helps you look in different directions.” In this way, the TRS/RT motivates and gives feedback to the resident.
An unexpected visitor often means the end of the one-to-one. Always thank the resident for allowing you to share this time with them in their room, reiterate what you did and how they responded, and express your pleasure with their reactions, giving specific examples as feedback. You might say, “Mrs. Garcia, it’s time for me to leave. I enjoyed being with you and I’m pleased that you were able to recognize so many of the aromas and fabrics. I will see you tomorrow. Would you like me to bring some music to play for you? I know you like jazz and Broadway show tunes. Thank you for letting me come to visit. See you tomorrow.” In giving this feedback to clients, remember not to patronize. It is not what you say, but how you say it, that conveys respect for people’s autonomy and accomplishments.
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