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Content of Workshops

Sonas workshops are carried out by Sonas aPc trained tutors. All of our Sonas tutors are experienced speech & language therapists, staff nurses or diversional therapists who work with older people with dementia.


The Sonas Workshop includes training in the use of SIMS (the Sonas Individual Multi-sensory Session). The workshop is carried out on two days, which are set six weeks apart to give attendees a chance to carry out sessions and give feedback on them.
The material covered in the workshop includes:
  • the background, philosophy and ethical framework underpinning the Sonas approach
  • the communication process (sensory input, understanding, formulation of response, expression and monitoring, memory)
  • how communication may be affected by dementia
  • the role of the senses in communication (sensory channels and the various effects of impairment; ageing and the senses)
  • population that Sonas can benefit (factors associated with selection of participants, safety and other considerations)
  • essential features of Sonas (communication, sensory stimulation, focus on abilities, structure and repetition, packaged)
  • training in the implementation of the Sonas Group Session and the Sonas Individual Multi-sensory session (SIMS).
  • review and rationale of the sessions
  • benefits for the participants (awareness, initiative, interaction, individuality, memory, self worth, relaxation and enjoyment, quality time etc)
  • the Individual Session (underpinning principles, the particular benefits of music and touch, techniques used in head, shoulder, hand and back massage)
  • schedule of evaluation forms to measure and monitor progress over time of individuals and the group feedback on use of the Individual Session
  • beyond the sessions – integrating Sonas in care planning, enhancing the communicative environment and engaging communicative partners.

Accreditation

The two day Sonas Workshop, plus a third training day and assessments, is Level 5 accredited with FETAC (the Further Education Training and Awards Council) in the Republic of Ireland. Accreditation is at Level 5 (the equivalent of NVQ Level 3 in the UK).
 
The SIMS Workshop

The SIMS Workshop involves training only in the use of Individual Sessions. It may be attended by anyone who cares for or works with older people with dementia.

SIMS Workshops are carried out by Sonas aPc trained tutors on two days, set about four weeks apart, to allow attendees time to carry out sessions as part of the training.

The Sonas Individual Multi-sensory Session (SIMS) contains the same basic elements as the Sonas Group Session. Therefore, much of the theory on communication and instruction on the Sonas approach that is described above is also covered in the SIMS Workshop. There is additional material regarding the effects of dementia and changes in communication on relationships and the caring process, as well as issues that may arise in the practice of the sessions, both personal and environmental.

The Individual Session, based only on music and touch is also included in this workshop.

We offer a shortened training day for existing Sonas practitioners who wish to implement SIMS. As feedback on the use of the programme is important, there is a follow-up call from our tutors to discuss any issues which may have arisen for the practitioners in their implementation of SIMS.
 
The Anam Workshop

Sonas workshops are carried out by Sonas aPc trained Anam tutors. All of our Anam tutors are experienced speech & language therapists, staff nurses or diversional therapists who work with older people with intellectual disabilities.
The material covered includes:
  • the background, philosophy and ethical framework underpinning the Sonas approach
  • the communication process (sensory input, understanding, formulation of response, expression and monitoring, memory)
  • how communication may be affected by dementia
  • the role of the senses in communication (sensory channels and the various effects of impairment; ageing and the senses)
  • population that Sonas can benefit (factors associated with selection of participants, safety and other considerations)
  • essential features of Sonas (communication, sensory stimulation, focus on abilities, structure and repetition, packaged)
  • training in the implementation of the Sonas Group Session and the Sonas Individual Multi-sensory session (SIMS).
  • review and rationale of the sessions
  • benefits for the participants (awareness, initiative, interaction, individuality, memory, self worth, relaxation and enjoyment, quality time etc)
  • the Individual Session (underpinning principles, the particular benefits of music and touch, techniques used in head, shoulder, hand and back massage)
  • schedule of evaluation forms to measure and monitor progress over time of individuals and the group feedback on use of the Individual Session
  • beyond the sessions – integrating Sonas in care planning, enhancing the communicative environment and engaging communicative partners.

Accreditation

The two day Anam Workshop, plus a third training day and assessments, is Level 5 accredited with FETAC (the Further Education Training and Awards Council) in the Republic of Ireland. Accreditation is at Level 5 (the equivalent of NVQ Level 3 in the UK).