Sensory Equipment: Wairau & Nelson

As the saying goes “alone we do a little, together we can do so much” and The Care Foundation has certainly seen the benefit of working together with other community groups.

Recently in Marlborough the Freemasons (Lodge Eckford 334) approached us looking to collaborate and to support and benefit a vulnerable group in our community. We had already collaborated with The Marlborough Equipment Trust to fund the specialist outdoor play equipment at the Wairau Respite Home but a further need was identified by staff for specialised equipment inside the Home.  To mark its 75th anniversary of service to the Marlborough community, the Lodge jumped at the opportunity to support this initiative by funding a range of specialist sensory equipment - a Sensory Kit, a Protac Sensit Puff Chair and a Squeeze Machine.  

The Lodge members gave more than their funds, they wanted to take the time to learn about the equipment and why this unique approach helps those with high sensory needs while they are with the Respite Team. These items will enrich the experience of the children who visit the Home, give comfort and strengthen their attachment with their ‘second home’. 

Seeing the benefits the sensory equipment plays in the care of people with intellectual and physical disabilities and complex needs, The Care Foundation funded the purchase of two Protac Sensit Puff Chairs for the Nelson Respite Care and Vocational Day Services facility. The Sensory Chairs envelope the full body and are an effective tool for sensory integration and stimulation promoting a calmed, relaxed and collected individual. It was heartening to hear from staff that one of the first users of the new Chair was a woman who makes a constant vocal noise to communicate, however within minutes of being placed in the Chair she was relaxed and quiet.  The staff are excited to see how the other people they support will benefit and react.