Amaris Florisberg opens new snoozle room for residents

Amaris Florisberg in Muiderberg officially opened a snoozing room on Tuesday 11 November. This specially equipped room offers residents a low-stimulation, safe environment where senses are stimulated and relaxation is key.

What is a snooze room?

A snooze room is designed to stimulate key senses - hearing, sight, smell and touch. By combining soft lighting, soothing music, tactile textures and pleasant scents, a pleasant and relaxing environment is created. As a result, residents with dementia in particular experience an increased sense of well-being and calm.

A special opening

The opening of the snooze room was small and intimate, befitting the quiet atmosphere of the space. Residents, staff and the site and regional manager gathered in the living room. Jane Rowan, coordinating nurse and initiator of the room, pulled aside the golden glitter curtain together with resident Tineke Strunk, making them the first to enter the new snoozle room. Tineke immediately took a seat in a comfortable chair surrounded by soft light, soothing guitar music and projected images of flowers and vistas.

From idea to realisation

The idea for the snoozle room originated with Jane years ago, inspired by a resident with advanced dementia. With a lot of research, planning and funding, the laundry room next to the living room was transformed into a fully-fledged snoozle room. All details - from colours and fabrics to lights and smells - were carefully chosen to provide the best possible experience.

Tailor-made relaxation

The snoozle room is used in guided sessions of about 20 minutes, tailored to the individual needs of the residents. For some, the room offers tranquillity, for others light stimuli. As Jane says: “The room is an extra depth into the resident's emotional world and a very nice tool for us.”

Positive first experiences

Volunteers and staff immediately noticed the positive effects. A restless resident calmed down through the combination of music, light effects and calm images. Family members also noticed how anxiety and restlessness decreased and relaxation increased.

The opening concluded with an informal gathering with coffee and cakes, while residents were able to experience the new space. Amaris Florisberg is looking forward to many new sessions in the snoozle room and the relaxation and peace it will bring to residents.