PATRIOTIC SENSORY GROUP

The following is a great patriotic sensory program for 4th of July and Memorial Day. You may provide the sensory techniques in a small group or one to one. You may also use these ideas to enhance a discussion activity.

Recommended supplies, props and techniques
for the following senses:

Olfactory (smell)

Encourage residents to smell and identify a variety of smells. Ask residents what the smell reminds them of or how it makes them feel. Does the smell evoke a memory or physical sensation?

Recommended equipment: use a variety of scents such as scented candles and lotions, foods (fresh apples, berries), apple cinnamon, aroma fan or diffuser, cotton balls, swabs, etc.

Precautions: Essential Oils are not to be used with residents with severe respiratory illness unless otherwise determined by physician. Also be aware of any allergies and do not apply directly on skin. Some essential oils have contraindications and may actually be harmful! So please, research before using.

Kinesthetic (Movement)

Encourage physical movement through music, balloons, waving flags, patriotic pinwheels, etc. Provide passive range of motion or hand over hand guidance as needed.

Recommended equipment: flags, balloons, batons, pom poms, ribbons.

Precautions: Know residents’ physical limitations; show caution with residents who have heart problems; observe any signs of residents becoming overly tired.

Tactile (Touch)

Have residents feel the objects and ask them to identify the object. Ask simple questions: “Does this feel soft to you”. Identify hard/soft, rough/smooth, warm/cool, wet/dry, etc.

Recommended equipment: variety of red, white and blue props and objects, lotions, massage roller, etc.

Precautions: Use touch with discretion; be aware of allergies.

Visual (Sight)

Use clear, uncomplicated pictures with bright contrasting colors. Use real objects, when possible, in conjunction with pictures. Use verbal cues such as: What color is this? “What does this color remind you of?”

Recommended equipment: Variety of props, flashlight, red, white and blue lights, patriotic pictures (Uncle Sam, Statue of Liberty, Eagle, Apple Pie, and American Flag), patriotic videos, etc.

Precautions: Do not shine lights in residents’ eyes; monitor for over-stimulation when utilizing blinking lights or mirror ball (some research indicates it may cause dizziness or nausea and do not use with those who are epileptic).

Auditory (Sound)

Begin your group with stimulating rhythmic music and end the group with soothing, calming music.

Recommended equipment: Patriotic Music, (America the Beautiful, God Bless America, You’re a Grand Old Flag, Star Spangled Banner, etc.), music source, musical instruments, bells, whistles, horns, etc.

Precautions: Monitor volume and limit distractions.

Gustatory (Taste)

Use a variety of foods that are in accordance with residents’ diets, flavored swabs or flavored lip balms may be used for residents who are NPO. Use foods that have a distinct flavor: oranges, lemons, pudding, ice cream, mints, etc. Have residents identify sweet, sour, salty, warm cold, smooth, creamy, etc. Relate snack or food to past experience. Match tastes: have resident taste applesauce and match with a picture or point to a whole apple.

Precautions: Be aware of food allergies and observe dietary restrictions.