Waymart Opens Sensory Room in FTC

SCI Waymart is proud to introduce a cutting-edge program for the Forensic Treatment Center (FTC). In efforts to improve the care for the FTC patients, Waymart has implemented an innovative program. The H.O.P.E. (Healing, Overcoming, Peace, Endurance) Room is a sensory room, modelled after a similar program at Clarks Summit State Hospital to offer patients sensory stimulation and promote quality of life. The program will offer mindfulness groups and meditation groups and will incorporate sensory stimulation activities designed to help reduce stress and anxiety and promote wellness, balance and other wellness coping skills. There will be daily groups offered which will be limited to a small group size to allow for the sensory experience and focus on developing new skills to reduce distressing feelings. Some items offered in the H.O.P.E. Room include weighted blankets, weighted plush, visual stimulation objects, murals, chalk board, tangles, gel pads, fidget gadgets, aromatherapy and meditation music. Patients will complete a sensory room pre- and post-wellness questionnaire to determine the effectiveness of the experience.

In addition to the H.O.P.E. Room there will be a correlating Wellness Toolbox on each of the FTC units. The Wellness Toolbox will offer patients space and time to use items to help reduce stress, frustration and anxiety while also promoting alternative means of managing difficult feelings or mental health symptoms when they occur. The toolbox will include stress balls, mini weighted blankets and other sensory stimulation items. Each of the three FTC units has a designated quiet dayroom where patients will be able to participate in a daily guided relaxation period using yoga mats, aromatherapy and guided meditation.