Building resilience through unique sensory experiences.

Nature Therapy CIC is a small social enterprise aimed at building mental, emotional and sensory resilience through unique experiences in nature.

What’s the innovation?

For some years we have walked alongside people with dementia running programmes aimed at raising awareness of the changes in sensory perception that take place. As memories and words become fragile, so caring for the individual who is slipping away can become a painful process for everyone involved.
Dementia is reportedly the second most feared disease. However, it is not all bad. There can be moments of fun, joy and connection. Our intent is to help families build more of those moments into their daily lives.

Each sense has a memory, some formed even before birth. By tapping into these sensory memories old realities can be re-experienced.

Using the vast learning we accumulated over time we have co-created with families a range of Senseboxes. The inherent intent is to help families stay connected long afterwords and physical memories become fragile.

Each box relates to one of the five senses. Each Sensebox contains resources and information on a particular sense and the impact it has on the person with dementia. It also contains resources to enhance sensory communication between the family.

We are currently working alongside Bournemouth University in a research project funded by the Burdett Nursing Trust to determine the impact of one of our sensory enrichment tools on improved sleep patterns and fewer admissions to hospital. We are keen to promote the Senseboxes to ensure that everyone affected by dementia has an opportunity to practice sensory enrichment and enhance the quality of lives.

What are you looking to get from #VFS21?

We are hoping to raise awareness of sensory deprivation in dementia and how our resource can help family and friends stay connected when words become fragile. We would also like to network and learn from others on how best to promote this innovation.