A SENSORY room has been opened at a Steeton hospital.

The facility – at Priory Hospital Keighley, formerly the Willows – is designed to help patients with dementia.

It provides gentle stimulation for sight, sound, touch and smell.

Hospital director Rebecca Perrin said research showed that sensory rooms helped reduce moderate to severe agitation in dementia patients and could be more effective than sedative medication.

“Doing what we can to help people with the condition feel more safe and secure in their environment is hugely important to us,” she said.

“Responding with dignity and compassion to dementia is imperative, given the urgent challenges we face as our population ages.”

About 800,000 people in the UK have dementia and it is estimated that one-in-three people over 65 will develop the condition.

The 43-bed Priory Hospital Keighley caters for people suffering from neuro-degenerative disorders.

Dementia consultant, Dr Andres Fonseca, said: “The sensory room ensures that we offer a real increase in quality of life and enhanced wellbeing for all our patients.”

“The room distracts individuals from their distressing symptoms, which in turn leads to a reduction in incidents and a decrease in the need for medication.”

The facility is also praised by ward manager Miriam Garnett.

“The possibilities for engagement and activities are infinite – there are many variations in the sensory room which can be adapted to meet each individual’s needs,” she said.