Use of multisensory environments in the home for people with dementia.

The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of using multisensory environments (MSE) in the home of people with dementia. A qualitative research design was used, which included semi-structured interviews and self-rated caregiver observation checklists. Field notes and audio recorded interviews were transcribed for data analysis. Data were reduced and coded for theme identification. Positive and negative effects of the use of MSE in the home on the behaviors of the person with dementia, caregiver burden, and family interpersonal relationships were revealed. Overall, MSE was discovered to promote a relaxing and calm environment in the home, which helped the person with dementia attend more to their immediate surroundings, and to improve family interactions. Although the majority of caregivers reported they enjoyed the MSE, they acknowledged their disappointment in the MSE as not providing more caregiver respite.