The best sensory activities in nursing homes

As a psychologist working in a nursing home, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing time and again the extraordinary power of the senses in awakening memories and stimulating emotions in our residents. Among the various activities we offer to promote their well-being, scent-based sensory exploration has emerged as one of the most deeply rewarding.

Every day, I strive to create an environment conducive to the emotional fulfillment of our seniors. More than just a scent, odors are a gateway to a past rich in experience and emotion. I have fond memories of Mrs. Dupont, a discreet, introverted resident who had gradually lost the thread of her memory. During a sensory session where I’d brought along a small bottle of lavender, her eyes lit up with a familiar glow. She told me how she loved to cultivate lavender fields in her youth, in the South of France. The details she shared were precise and colorful, as if the simple scent had opened a window to her past memories.

Another memorable moment was shared with Mr. Martin, a former sailor. When I brought a box containing various marine scents – salt, seaweed, and light notes of fish – his wrinkled face lit up. He told me incredible stories of sea voyages, storms and camaraderie. These tales were accompanied by a mixture of smells that really seemed to transport him back in time.

Smells are powerful triggers for imagination and memories. They transcend the barriers of language and cognition, touching the soul directly. Cinnamon may evoke joyous moments in the family kitchen, while the smell of rain may transport some residents to childhood afternoons spent jumping in puddles.

That’s why I’ve integrated these sensory activities into our routine at our nursing home. Every week, we organize sessions where residents can smell, touch and sometimes even taste various substances and objects that evoke memories. The resulting discussions create a bond between residents and also facilitate intergenerational conversations with staff and visitors.

Working with smells and memories at our nursing home is an emotionally enriching experience. Every smile, every story shared, every expression of joy or melancholy is proof of the timeless power of the senses in shaping our identity and our life experiences.

I’m a speech therapist in a nursing home, and I’ve discovered a hidden treasure in music. Music’s incredible ability to evoke deep memories and weave emotional bonds has always fascinated me. As part of my work, I’ve had the opportunity to see how melodies from the past have the power to revive memories and bring joy to our elders.

During our sessions, I regularly incorporate special musical moments, where residents are invited to listen to songs that resonate with their past. It’s amazing how tired faces suddenly come alive at the sound of a familiar melody. A poignant example is Mme Dubois, a former cabaret singer. As she struggles to remember the details of the present, the songs of her era allow her to relive moments of glory and share colorful anecdotes from her life on stage.

Music also has the power to stir deep emotions. Mr Renaud, once a renowned pianist, is no longer able to play due to advanced dementia. However, when I brought her a gentle melody on the piano, her fingers made familiar movements on her lap. His eyes filled with tears, and his daughter confided in me that this song was the one he always played for her when she was a child. The music had succeeded in opening a window to the past, allowing Mr. Renaud to reconnect briefly with his role as father and musician.

Music is also a gateway to social interaction. During our “musical workshops”, residents sing, tap their feet and sometimes even dance. This creates a sense of community and shared emotions, transcending the barriers of illness and isolation.

Musical sessions have proven their ability to soothe and reassure. Soft music playing in the background creates a calm atmosphere, ideal for moments of relaxation and meditation.

Every note played, every chorus sung, every smile brightened by the melody is tangible proof of the power of music on the memory and emotions of our residents. As a speech therapist, I’ll continue to explore these melodies of the past to shed light on our elders’ present.

As an occupational therapist working in a nursing home, I have witnessed the wonderful results of tactile exploration in improving the quality of life of our residents. The simple act of manipulating various textures and engaging in tactile activities offers much more than sensory pleasure: it creates deep, meaningful bonds between individuals, even when words become scarce.

When I started introducing tactile activities into my sessions with residents, I was amazed at how it unlocked channels of communication that had previously seemed closed. Take the example of Mr. Dupuis, a once eloquent man who lost the ability to express himself following a stroke. By offering him a range of objects with different textures – from soft velvet to the roughness of tree bark – I observed an astonishing transformation. Tactile sensations seemed to revive emotional memories, and his hands spoke where words failed. As he caressed the velvet surface, he let out tears of joy, while as he touched the bark, a melancholy smile spread across his face.

What’s more, tactile exploration can also create meaningful moments of connection between residents and their loved ones. I was lucky enough to attend a session with Ms. Lévesque and her granddaughter. Mrs Lévesque, who suffered from advanced dementia, had difficulty recognizing family members. Offering her a series of familiar objects – a scarf knitted by her granddaughter, an old pocket watch from her husband – her granddaughter gently guided her grandmother’s hands over them, eliciting moments of intimacy and shared emotion.

These tactile activities also have a calming and relaxing effect, helping to reduce anxiety and agitation. The experience of holding and manipulating familiar or comfortable objects creates a sense of security and familiarity.

As part of our regular sessions, I have integrated tactile exploration as an essential means of engaging residents in social and emotional interactions. Touch becomes a universal form of communication, a way of connecting across cognitive and verbal barriers. Every gentle touch, every shared smile, every moment of silent understanding is tangible proof of the power of human contact.

As a passionate entertainer working in the heart of a nursing home, I’ve witnessed a real transformation when our residents get involved in artistic activities. Painting, pottery, collage and many other workshops have the magic of releasing buried creativity and creating moments of joy and connection that enrich the lives of our seniors.