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Sensory bedroom set to enhance dementia care
An innovative sensory bedroom has been unveiled on Meadow Ward in Bromsgrove, offering patients with complex dementia needs a safe, calming, and dignified environment designed to ease distress and promote wellbeing.
The project was led by Ward Manager Sarah Taylor and Occupational Therapist Clare McFadyen, who identified a growing need for a more purpose-designed environment to meet the changing needs of their patients.
Sarah explained, “Dementia can affect people in many different ways, so we really wanted to create a space to better support patients with complex needs.”
The room’s soft flooring and padded walls help prevent injury and support ease of movement, particularly for those with poor spatial awareness or difficulties with balance and coordination.
Integrated sensory lighting and an in-built sound system provide gentle visual and auditory stimulation to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, creating a therapeutic space that feels more welcoming and less clinical.
Clare added, “Providing patient-centred care is at the heart of Meadow Ward’s ethos, and we’re really proud of what we’ve achieved.”
“Our new sensory bedroom not only ensures our patients are cared for safely and with dignity, but it also provides opportunities for reminiscence and purposeful engagement through the rooms audio and visual facilities.”
Earlier this year, the ward was named the People’s Choice winner at the prestigious Design in Mental Health Awards. The accolade recognised their vision and work to create Meadow Green – an innovative dementia garden, also located on the ward.
Both projects reflect the Trust’s ongoing commitment to enhancing patient experience and outcomes through forward-thinking approaches to dementia care.