A newly installed, high tech sensory room is helping residents at a Croydon care home reconnect with memories and feelings.

The space at James Terry Court is full of multi-coloured optic lights, which can provide a stimulating or relaxing environment, depending on the needs of particular residents.

Sensory therapy offers dementia patients activity free from cognitive demands, which can help them recall past experience by stimulating their feelings.

The Home’s Activities Coordinator, Carol Roberts, said: “Our residents absolutely love their new sensory room.

"They find the optic lights both fascinating and relaxing.

"While they are entranced by the lights, we play soothing music and use aromatherapy oils to create a multi-sensory experience.

"It’s proved to be so relaxing that I’ve had a few residents fall asleep!”

The project was made possible by funding from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey and a legacy left by local Freemason, William Baker, in whose honor the room has been named.

Sensory rooms can enhance feelings of comfort and well-being, relieve stress and pain and maximise a person’s potential to focus, all of which help improve communication and memory.

Originating in the Netherlands in the 1970s, sensory stimulation therapy was originally designed to help people with learning disabilities.