6 minute read
Lights, Colors and Sound All Around
Two new multi-sensory rooms in the Masonic Health Care Center’s memory support neighborhoods, at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, fully immerse residents in colors, lights, surround sound, image projection and even bubbles. The results for residents are movement, memories and a sense of wonder.
Certified recreation therapists regularly help residents through relaxation programs, physical and cognitive exercises and alternative therapies, such as music and pet therapy and aromatherapy. The two new multi-sensory rooms and mobile cart, however, offer an integrative approach for meaningful and productive one-on-one sessions.
Sensory stimulation uses everyday objects to arouse one or more of the five senses: hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch. The goals include: evoking positive feelings and improving overall mood; helping residents cope with negative emotions, communication and behaviors; increasing independence; improving activity level; lowering blood pressure; decreasing muscle tension; providing a relaxing environment for residents experiencing overstimulation; providing stimulation before mealtime for residents who may not eat well to increase their appetite; and providing opportunities for choice.
The controlled environment promotes a calming and safe setting that incorporates a combination
William Kingsbury, CEO; Jeffrey Wonderling, R.W. Grand Master; Ron Crawford, of Lodge No. 156; Emily Connors; Richard McMinn, of Lodge No. 156; Mike Rowe, executive director; Matt Mayo, assistant executive director/health care administrator; and Becky Kandrac, recreation therapist, dedicate the two multi-sensory rooms. of seating options, vibration mats, projectors, bubble tubes and lighting. The technology allows each resident to create their own individualized experience to suit their preferences and needs.
This specialized therapy is especially beneficial for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, as well as those with a brain injury or chronic pain.
“We want our residents to continue to do the things they love, even if we have to adapt those activities,” Emily Connors, therapeutic recreation and life enrichment supervisor, said. “Having specialized multi-sensory rooms available enables us to help our seniors find joy and purpose each and every day.”
Liz Eargle, recreation/music therapist, recently brought resident Ruth Barkley into one of the multi-sensory rooms for the first time. As a green geometric shape twirled around the walls and music played from a large speaker, Liz placed a board in front of Ruth with different colored tiles. Ruth moved her hand over each tile and a different sound, whether drums, a guitar or even a baby’s laugh, played along with the rhythm of the background music. Ruth’s toes began to tap as she “conducted” the music with her finger and hummed along.
Liz also asked Ruth where she’d like to “travel.” Within minutes of Ruth replying, “Florida,” an entire wall of the room filled with the image of a Florida beach. They discussed what Ruth enjoyed about her past visits to the Sunshine state.
Masonic Village sought philanthropic support for the renovations and technology required to make the two multi-sensory therapy rooms and mobile cart a reality. A plaque was installed outside the rooms to recognize the support of Washington Lodge No. 156, Quarryville.
“We know what Masonic Villages does for a lot of people, and it’s a good cause to support,” said lodge member Richard McMinn.
Joe Fialko, of Soundbeam USA, has designed dozens of multi-sensory rooms, but none like Masonic Village’s.
“This much equipment, the interactive made-from-scratch elements and the complexity of the features in the rooms were made possible because of the donor,” Joe said.
The support of Masonic donors has resulted in several projects at the Masonic Health Care Center, which have enhanced residents’ quality of life. These include a therapy pool, thanks to the late Brother Carl Flohr and his wife, Arlene;
Ruth Barkley with Liz Eargle, recreation/music therapist, in one of the sensory rooms
renovation of a turtle/fish pond in the courtyard, with the support of Palmyra Chapter No. 402 and Hershey Chapter No. 509, Order of the Eastern Star; and a new chapel, made possible because of ZeredathaWhite Rose Lodge No. 451, York.
“Technology will play an increasingly important role in the aging services we offer and will help us enhance the lives of those we serve,” William Kingsbury, chief executive officer, said.
The multi-sensory rooms and mobile cart have made such an impact already, the Masonic Villages would like to be able to replicate the project in the health care areas in Lafayette Hill, Sewickley and Warminster.
If you’re interested in supporting these projects, please contact the Office of Mission Advancement and Development at 1-800-599-6454 or giving@masoniccharitiespa.org.
Financial information about Masonic Charities can be obtained by contacting us at 1-800-599-6454. In addition, Masonic Charities is required to file financial information with several states. Colorado: Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State, (303) 894-2680, http://www.sos.state.co.us/. Florida: SC No. 00774, A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. Georgia: full and fair description of the programs and activities of Masonic Charities and its financial statement are available upon request at the address indicated above. Illinois: Contracts and reports regarding Masonic Charities are on file with the Illinois Attorney General. Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (800) 825-4510. Michigan: MICS No. 11796 Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp.htm#charity. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. New York: A copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing the Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: Financial statements are available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Washington: The notice of solicitation required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State, and information relating to financial affairs of Masonic Charities is available from the Secretary of State, and the toll-free number for Washington residents: 1-800-332-4483. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. REGISTRATION IN THE ABOVE STATES DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION OF MASONIC CHARITIES BY THE STATE.
