On 12 February, Spominčica-Alzheimer Slovenia attended the opening of a ‘nursing oasis’ for people with advanced dementia, at the Nursing home Laško, part of SPA Thermana Laško. Stefania L. Zlobec, president of Spominčica, welcomed this improvement in services, still rare in Slovenia but important for the wellbeing of people with dementia.
With the rapid increase in the number of individuals with dementia - the estimated number in Slovenia is around 33,000 - the development of a nursing oasis offers a new approach to advanced care planning. These kinds of investments can significantly enhance quality of life and contribute to new care facilities and services for people with advanced dementia. One of the primary aims of a nursing oasis is to provide patients with support and help ensure dignity at end of life.
Many people with advanced dementia have mobility problems, difficulties in communicating and continence problems. Sometimes the only indicator medical staff have, of the wishes and needs of patients with advanced dementia, is non-verbal communication. However, they are clearly able to sense external stimuli, such as colours, light, touch, smells and sounds, and repeated activities can help to prolong their ability to distinguish between objects, textures, materials, senses and stimuli.
The nursing oasis is a big sensory room, following modern concepts of care, which focus on the importance of respecting the individual. The interior of the room consists of five beds and furnishings that encourage residents to feel comfortable and safe. The furniture in room is mostly made of natural materials, in warm colours and each resident has their own private space. The beds are separated by decorative moving panels, illustrated with motifs from nature and landscapes. The wellbeing of residents is further enhanced with ambient lighting and aromatherapy.
The concept of the nursing oasis is new in some Slovenian nursing homes, but in some other countries it is already an example of good practice. Some of the reported positive results of such care are: reduced restlessness; better awareness of own body; and improvements in the immune system.
