The Shalom Village Ladies Auxiliary has generously provided funds to build a Snoezelen at Shalom Village.

What the heck is a Snoezelen?

The word "Snoezelen" is a combination of two Dutch words, which roughly translate as "sniff", and "doze". It was hoped that this might conjure up the lazy, relaxed feeling that Snoezelen is capable of producing. It is a concept that endeavours to provide sensory experiences within a controlled environment. The concept was developed in Holland approximately fourteen years ago. Today Snoezelens can be found in many parts of the world including Canada, The United States, Israel, India, Europe and Japan.

People with sensory and physical problems, such as Alzheimer's patients, can benefit from appropriate stimulation. A multi-sensory environment is designed to stimulate the primary senses of touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell without the need for intellectual activity. Trust and relaxation are encouraged via non-directive therapy. The essence of a sensory environment is to allow individual's time, space and opportunity to enjoy the environment at their own pace.

Our Snoezelen combines lights, bubbles, colours, soothing music and ambient sounds, textures, aroma, and vibration to create a multi-sensory environment that is both relaxing and stimulating.

Please stop in and see the Shalom Village Snoezelen on your next visit. Like many of our staff and family members, you may want to try it yourself!