Ordre de Malte France has launched a training course on the Snoezelen method that, through stimulation in a multi-sensorial environment, enhances the lives of disabled children and adolescents and the elderly. The Snoezelen room enables the patient to enjoy sensorial adventures based on the accessibility of instruments.

The Snoezelen environment uses light shows, relaxing and/or intermittent music, multicoloured or optic-fibre floor and ceiling, tactile surfaces, rocking chairs, piped-in aromas. The use of stimuli such as colour, music, aromas and images helps patients not only to relate and interact with others but also calms states of agitation, fostering relaxation and rest. This stimulation is especially effective in the presence of reduced physical or mental functions and also when the specific drugs no longer function and symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, depression and apathy become increasingly evident.

The initial training session on the Snoezelen method – addressed to medical staff – will take place in Paris from 9 to 12 June next. Marc Thiry, professor and founder of the Snoezelen School in Belgium, is trainer and counsellor of the teaching team.