Multi-Sensory Environment and Agitated Behavior in Ageing Residents with Dementia

Abstract

This research paper explores selected behavioral outcomes of a multi-sensory environment. An experimental study was conducted at a specialized facility for the ageing in Sweden. The objective was to explore the effects of agitated behaviors of ageing residents with dementia and to identify any short-term effects. Appointed nursing staff was instructed to record physically and verbally agitated behaviors on three occasions; pre-session, mid-session, and post-session. Over seven months, nine participants received sixty-one sessions in the multi-sensory room. ANOVA and Post hoc multiple comparisons were performed to identify the differences in mean between each session. Generally irritated/frustrated behavior and eating/drinking non foods revealed statistically significant differences, while there were no significant results in verbally agitated behavior. One short-term effect was observed in one agitated category; a reduction of generally irritated/frustrated behavior. These results suggest that the multi-sensory environment can have positive effects on some manifestations of agitated behavior. This study proposes that a multi-sensory environment may be recommended as an alternative intervention for physically agitated behavior among this category of residents. However, more research is needed to understand the specific effects and the best use of the multi-sensory environment for this population.