Course Overview
If Sonas practitioners want to continue to deliver the Sonas programme, they must update their training every two years by completing this one-day online course which is designed to update practitioner knowledge, refine their practice and share best practices through peer-to-peer learning. Tutors share the latest research, examples of best practice, and opportunities to adapt the Sonas approach to changing care environments.
The online format makes it easy to attend from any location while maintaining the interactivity and peer exchange that define Engaging Dementia training.
Participants revisit both the individual and group formats of Sonas sessions, gaining new insights into sensory engagement and communication techniques.
Upon successful completion, each participant receives an updated Sonas Programme Licence Certificate, valid for two years — ensuring continued recognition as a Sonas Licensed Practitioner.
About the Topic
The Sonas Programme remains Ireland’s leading therapeutic communication activity for people with mid to late-stage dementia. It focuses on multisensory stimulation, emotional engagement, and connection. This renewal course ensures practitioners continue delivering sessions in a consistent and high-quality manner, helping to ensure maximum benefit for participants. It also provides an opportunity to learn about the latest evidence and up-to-date, cutting-edge information in the field.
Intended Audience
Who is it for?
The Sonas Renewal Course is for Licensed Sonas Practitioners whose certification has expired or is due to expire.
Completion of the 3-day Sonas Programme Training is required before attending this renewal course.
Your Learning Journey
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
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Refresh their understanding of the Sonas Programme principles and techniques.
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Review updates and refinements in evidence-based practice.
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Strengthen delivery of individual and group Sonas sessions.
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Reflect on real-world implementation and share best practices with peers.
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Successfully renew their Sonas Programme Licence (valid for 2 years).
Evidence-Based Practice
Evidence & Research
Read More
The Sonas Programme is supported by strong evidence of its effectiveness, with practical tools to help you evaluate its impact on those in your care.
Sonas Group, Sonas Individual Multisensory (SIMS) and Relaxing Individual Sessions have been designed to facilitate engagement and enjoyment for people with dementia.
Dr Benedicte Sørensen Strøm carried out a major study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Sonas Group Session. The study involved four nursing homes in Ireland. Her study showed that people who participated in Sonas Group Sessions showed improvements in their communication abilities over time. The study found that Sonas Group Sessions were especially beneficial for people with later dementia. The research also tested an evaluation tool that had been devised to measure the benefits of participation in Sonas Group Sessions. The new tool was called The Threadgold Communication Tool (TCT).
A copy of this tool can be downloaded here: Threadgold Communication Tool
Threadgold Communication Tool (TCT)
The Threadgold Communication Tool (TCT) is based on the evaluation method devised by Sonas Programme founder Mary Threadgold RSC. The TCT is especially useful for people with moderate to severe dementia as most other communication tools are based on verbal skills. A person with later dementia often has lost their verbal communication abilities. While they may still be able to say words, those words can be in jumbled sentences or phrases that are repeated over and over again. It can be difficult for the listener to understand what the person is saying, and a stressful experience for both. However, even when a person has no words at all, they can still communicate non-verbally. Eye contact, laughter, gestures, facial expressions, responsiveness to scents and tapping to the beat of a song can all be signs of positive communication. The Threadgold Communication Tool was formalised and validated as part of a major research project that examined the effectiveness of the Sonas programme.
An evaluation of the TCT can be found here: TCT Evaluation
Sensory Stimulation for People with Dementia: Literature Review
Stimulation of the senses is often used with people with dementia. Some approaches use stimulating of a few senses. Others, such as the Sonas Programme, stimulate all five senses. This article provides an overview of the sensory stimulation interventions that are available for people with dementia, and a review of the research in this area.
Effect of the Sonas Programme on Communication in People with Dementia: A Randomised Controlled Trial
This research project explored the effect of participation in Sonas Group Sessions on the communication abilities of people with moderate to severe dementia. Read the full research article here: Click here for article
Impact of the Sonas Programme on Communication over a Period of 24 Weeks in People with Moderate-to-Severe Dementia
This research examined how communication abilities changed over time among nursing home residents with moderate-to-severe dementia who were attending the Sonas programme and to explore whether changes in communication abilities were related to cognitive ability. Click here to read the full study
Effects of the Sonas Program on Anxiety and Depression in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: A 6-Month Randomized Controlled Trial
This study explored the potential effect of the sonas Programme on nursing home residents with anxiety and depression. Click here to ready the full study.
Delivery Format
Delivered online.
Certification / Accreditation
Those who complete the course will receive a Sonas Programme Licensed Practitioner Certification for another 2 years
About the tutor
Sonas Tutor Team
Our Sonas tutors bring extensive experience in dementia care, therapeutic activity design, and practitioner development. Each tutor is an expert in the Sonas approach and skilled at making the learning experience practical, interactive, and directly applicable to care environments.
Book Now
Take the Next Step in Dementia Care Training
Join our dementia care training courses and gain practical, evidence-based tools you can apply right away. Limited spaces available — reserve your place today and make a meaningful impact in care and connection. If you have any queries about any course, email admin@engagingdementia.ie or call +353 1 260 8138.
Price range: €165.00 through €265.00
