RiverView Clinic – East Grand Forks recently became the third rehabilitation services site to add a multi-sensory environment (MSE) for its patients.

“Multisensory spaces engage a person’s senses through the environment,” said Marissa Jevne, occupational therapy assistant at East Grand Forks. “The space creates a calming atmosphere that helps reduce anxiety, restlessness, and more. The equipment used in the MSE provides visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory stimulation to help with relaxation factors.

The space meets the needs of patients. If the patient needs a stimulating and alerting environment, this framework is created. If the patient requires a calming environment, the MSE is adjusted to meet the patient’s need to have a more productive therapy session.

Patients of all ages and abilities benefit from the room, especially those who struggle with self-regulation, such as being alert and calm during helpful activities such as therapy.

Equipment used in the new MSE includes bubble tubes, fiber optics, a projector with many themes, a bean bag chair and room darkening blinds. Similar multi-sensory environments exist at the RiverView Rehabilitation Services locations in Crookston and Red Lake Falls. Plans are underway for the newest Rehabilitation Services location in Fertile, which opened in the fall of 2021, to also have an MSE.

“Patients value these environments and are poised to succeed when therapy is delivered in these spaces,” said Crystal Maruska, director of rehabilitation services.

The therapeutic and fun environments are made possible by funding from the Jim Ingeman Family’s Dancing in the Sky Fund through the RiverView Foundation.

“We are so fortunate to receive this funding for our patients at all RiverView Therapy Centers,” Maruska said. “With this funding, we are able to provide more sensory experiences for our patients as they reach their goals.”

For more information on RiverView Multi-Sensory Environments, call 218-281-9463.