ABSTRACT

It is hoped that the reader will take away the following from reading this chapter: knowledge about the origins of sensory stimulation (SS) work; the development of this work with persons with dementia; and two occupational therapy (OT) frameworks about sensory techniques as they apply to dementia. Research is showing that, even in the later stages of the illness, persons with dementia can be reached through adapted occupational and communication techniques. A new Compensating Balance Framework has been developed for pilot research based around SS sessions facilitated by care-giving staff for persons with dementia in Behavioural Stages 3 and 4. So far, four discrete phenomena within communication interactions have been identified: conscious waiting; non-verbal turn taking; a pivotal moment where the communication imbalance begins to normalize; and an increased momentum for engagement. The role of the occupational therapist has a special place in the care for persons in the later stages of dementia. Suggestions are made for future directions within OT.