A musical oasis on Samsø

The establishment of the musical sensory garden has created a meaningful gathering place for the residents of the nursing home and the island's population. The sensory garden offers a colorful and inviting environment, where the musical instruments provide a setting for socializing, rehabilitation and training. The instruments have been carefully selected by Kildemosen's staff, including occupational therapists, educators and music therapists, in collaboration with Samsø Municipality and Percussion Play Denmark.

Professional Use in the Housing Community, which is neighboring Kildemosen

Susanne Sejr Eggen, Area Manager Social - Support Team and Housing and Activity Center, Samsø Municipality, states:

In the Samsø Community, citizens with developmental disabilities or late brain damage live - currently primarily with mental and social disabilities supplemented by psychiatric disorders. Some citizens have a low-paying job and travel around Samsø alone. Others need close one-to-one support, where the Sensory Garden and the instruments are consciously included in versatile outdoor activities.

In the ongoing pedagogical work to create balance in the citizens' sensations/arousal, the Sensory Garden can support both reducing, increasing and maintaining arousal levels. The versatile activities provide the opportunity to work with the different senses and raise/lower arousal levels and create greater well-being.

Having an educational offer so close to the Community makes it accessible and possible in everyday life, where the citizen's daily routine changes and attendance at the Community varies. It is also a really nice supplement to other activities in the city (Tarzan track, outdoor training equipment at Sambiosen). The instruments give an extra dimension.