New interactive tool for patient care - Mount Sinai Hospital Montreal: opening of the Snoezelen multisensory stimulation room

MONTREAL, Dec. 12, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Mount Sinai Hospital Montreal is proud to announce the opening of its Snoezelen room, with state-of-the-art equipment for relaxation and sensory stimulation. Developed in the Netherlands in the 1970s, the Snoezelen therapeutic approach consists in using varied, interactive sensory experiences that help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as stimulating patients in a safe, non-threatening way.

In the new Snoezelen environment, people with anxiety disorders and respiratory ailments as well as those in palliative care or with other limiting conditions, such as patients in extended care, can also benefit from a host of stimuli that encourage self-control and autonomy, as well as helping them master their inhibitions and reduce stress, in total freedom and separate from directed therapy.

The term "Snoezelen'" is a neologism formed from the Dutch "snuffelen" (to seek out, to explore) and "doezelen" (to doze, to snooze), which describes the feeling of relaxation it creates and the sensory stimulation it provides.

"The activities they do in the Snoezelen room help patients experience a moment of tranquility, induced by the use of gentle sensory stimulation. All the senses are engaged, using sensory, visual, acoustic and tactile elements," said Maria Stathatos of the Mount Sinai Hospital Montreal.

The room also has a solar projector, columns of bubbles activated by the patients, fibre-optic lights and an interactive wall panel. There is has a sound system that plays appropriate music, and a special chair where patients can experience vestibular stimulation.

Varied multisensory stimulation needs

Mount Sinai serves a diverse pool of patients, and the Snoezelen room can be adapted to their specific needs. "It is useful for patients coping with respiratory disorders, helping them better manage the anxiety and depression that often accompany these diseases," added Ms. Stathatos.

Patients admitted to palliative care can also use the room to better manage their anxiety, depression and pain. Chronic-care patients with dementia can also benefit from the Snoezelen experience, which contributes to stimulating the senses and breaking through their isolation so that communication can be re-established.

About Mount Sinai Hospital Montreal

Since it was established in 1909, Mount Sinai has always been synonymous with excellence. Today, the hospital is a state-of-the-art institution, specializing in short-term respiratory care, palliative care and long-term care, accredited by Accreditation Canada with the designation "Exemplary Standing." Mount Sinai is a 107-bed, McGill University-affiliated hospital where innovative and outpatient services play an increasingly key role.

At Mount Sinai Hospital Montreal, it's not just about what we do, it's how we do it. We take a global approach to health care that considers the patients' needs and their environment. We do more than treat patients: we care for people.

For more information, please visit www.sinaimontreal.ca.

SOURCE: Mount Sinai Hospital

Amélie Cliche
NATIONAL Public Relations
514-843-2339
[email protected]