Dawson Lodge care home introduces sensory room for residents living with dementia

A care home in Southampton has created a sensory room to help residents with dementia relax and to stimulate them mentally.

Older people from Anchor’s Dawson Lodge in Botley Road will be treated to a mixture of relaxing lights and sounds following a £5,000 donation from the organisation’s legacy fund where former residents leave bequests.

Manager Mitchelle Perry said: “The sensory room, which was a former bathroom, has greatly helped our 23 residents with dementia who can become agitated as they find it difficult to engage.

“The lights, colours, sounds, sensory soft play objects and aromas provide a range of stimuli to help their well-being.

“The sensory room has also been a great hit with residents who don’t have dementia as it’s a fun environment or a quiet space to relax in by themselves or with friends or relatives.”

Joan Kitchen, 87, who has lived at Dawson Lodge since last June, said the room made her feel relaxed and calm.

She said: “I like the sensory room because it’s peaceful and tranquil. I have been to view other care homes before and have never seen a room like this before.

“I understand some of the residents asked for a quiet area so the team here introduced this room. They always involve us in decisions regarding changes to the care home.

“I enjoy living here because there are lots of activities to do. I enjoy painting and the Ipad quizzes they do. The home is always buzzing with laughter from staff and residents. We are one family here.”