Maryknoll Hostel, NSW

Maryknoll Hostel, Port Macquarie NSW
Maryknoll Hostel, a Catholic Care of the Aged Hostel in Port Macquarie has achieved three Better Practice Awards in pastoral care, drama group therapy and multi-sensory therapy programs.

Multi-sensory therapy program
Maryknoll Hostel’s multi-sensory room offers a tranquil, peaceful room that is warm, low-lit with soft relaxing music, tactile touch and stimulation. The massage therapist/reflexologist/staff and volunteers offer not only physical but emotional support to the resident through touch and relaxation therapy.

The majority of Maryknoll residents participate and enjoy the benefits of the program, which began with 18 residents in July 2005 and has 30 permanent residents now.

Multi-sensory rooms have long been used to promote relaxation, calmness, focus, communication and improvements in response, individual therapies are specifically designed and tailored to assist and improve individual residents’ quality of life. The effects of a session in a multi-sensory room at Maryknoll can last from a few minutes to a few days and lengthen with an ongoing program. Typically, an individual will spend anywhere from 20 minutes up to one hour in a multi-sensory room. Research has shown that multi-sensory rooms can make a real difference to the quality of life for a person with special needs.

Massage therapy can both relax and stimulate a resident. The uniqueness of each resident requires staff pay particular attention to individual needs, thus enhancing quality of life. Residents have commented in their evaluations of the program that the therapies help their pain levels, mobility and keeps them calm, relaxed, less anxious and less depressed.

Some comments received from residents are:

• “I feel as though I am floating on air.” 
•  “I am so relaxed that I feel like skipping out of the room.” 
•  “Great feeling of relief all over my body.”

Evaluations in resident care plans have shown a reduction in pain levels, less anxiety and improved mobility and socialisation.

The multi-sensory program has evolved and improved from resident input and feedback. Our focus remains on the residents and how to keep them at the centre of care.