Imagine having difficulty in how you experience the world around you. Continually frustrated, you might act out your frustrations or simply withdraw into yourself. Our sensory programs provide opportunities to express feelings, process emotions, engage the senses and accelerate learning.
The environment provides soothing sounds and music, fascinating light displays, appealing aromas and contrasting textures. Residents can engage in activities that interest them and provide a sense of pleasure.
In addition to bringing immediate joy to their lives, our sensory spaces produce lasting benefits. Residents develop their sense of sight, touch and hearing; learn cause-and-effect; improve coordination and motor skills; enjoy a sense of peace and calm; promote social interaction and stimulate cognitive development.
We use music therapy to help residents explore emotions, express feelings, communicate non-verbally, develop motor skills and feel a sense of connection. Activity staff play the guitar, help residents play a variety of musical instruments, participate in karaoke and move to the music activities.
Getting hands-on in our kitchen is a fun, tactile and valuable learning experience for residents. When we bake cookies, for example, the pouring, measuring, mixing, rolling and decorating helps to improve motor skills. Experiencing the different textures, aromas and flavors engages the senses. Whatever we cook up, safety, accessibility and creativity are essential ingredients.
Our residents are incredibly gifted with the ability to create beautiful, expressive pieces of art. All they need is an opportunity to make it. Our art therapy programs provide opportunities to create individual and group projects that bring joy, build self-esteem and provide an avenue for self-expression.
I have been a volunteer at Swann since 2015. It is a very special place with caring and loving staff. The residents are well taken care of and happy. The staff take very special care to make sure all their needs are met, physically, mentally and emotionally. It is a privilege to know these people and to be able to help in a small way.
