Sonas Course (Blended/Hybrid)
The Sonas Programme is a therapeutic activity, delivered as group and/or individual sessions for people living with moderate to later stage dementia. The sessions involve stimulation of all five senses, gentle physical exercise, quality engagement, communication stimulation, and relaxation.
The Sonas Course is has two levels, and involves both online and face to face training, as well as work-based learning. Completion of the course earns the learner a Sonas Licenced Practitioner Certification, which is then renewed every two years through attendance at a refresher course.
- Level 1 involves training to enable the learner to deliver the Sonas Individual Multi-sensory Sessions and Sonas Individual Relaxing Sessions.
- Level 2 involves training to enable the learner to deliver the Sonas Group Session.
- Upon completion of Level 1, a person is certified to carry out Sonas Individual Sessions. Upon completion of Level 2, a person is also certified to carry out the Sonas Group Sessions.
- Course learning outcomes include an understanding of communication, the experience of dementia, the benefits of sensory stimulation, and the Sonas Programme.
Carers who are supporting people with dementia (one to one) can apply to do the 2-day Sonas Course (Level I).
The Sonas Level I Course is certified by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), with Category 1 accreditation (19 CEU points). It is suitable for activity coordinators, healthcare assistants, nurses, Allied Health professionals, and others caring for those living with dementia.
The Level I training (via Zoom) takes place on two days over a 7-week period. Work-based learning is also an integral part of the training.
The Level II training takes place face to face, and we run this training at several locations throughout Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.
Sonas Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the Sonas Course, the Activity Co-ordinators, nurses, carers and other participants:
- Are familiar with the different types of dementia
- Understand the role of feelings and the senses in communication
- Have acquired different communication strategies
- Have acquired the skills to carry out Sonas Individual Multi-sensory (SIMS) and the Relaxing Individual Session
- Have had practical experience of delivering and evaluating all three types of Sonas Session
- Have a toolbox of evaluation to measure impact and tailor the programme to individuals
- Have carried out an information session in their workplace to familiarise their peers with Sonas
- Have become part of a nationwide network of Sonas Programme Licensed Practitioners, all of whom are skilled to carry out the Sonas therapeutic activity in their group setting
Testimonial:
“I learnt a lot about how to use the different types of Sonas Sessions to suit different clients. The Sonas Course was excellent.” – Frances Byrne, Carer, Home Instead Senior Care (Wexford)
Renewal of the Sonas Licence
Sonas eModule
Sonas Licence Renewal Training Day
The Sonas eModule is designed to provide the Sonas Programme Licensed Practitioner (SPLP) with refresher dementia and Sonas Programme training and encourages reflective learning. It takes just 2-3 hours to complete and refreshes the SPLP’s knowledge and skills. It is easy to complete, with a step-by-step guide and short video.
The Engaging Dementia training team can be contacted by phone or email if the Sonas Licensed Practitioner has any difficulties with the Sonas eModule.
Moodle, the e-learning platform through which the Sonas eModule is delivered, also has an SPLP forum and resources for Sonas group and individual sessions.
The Activity Co-ordinators, nurses, Allied Health professionals, care assistants, and other carers who undertake this training will have already completed the 3-day Sonas Course and the Sonas eModule in the previous two year Sonas Licence training cycles.
The 1-day Sonas Licence Renewal Training Day (SLRD) is focused on building on the Sonas Programme Licensed Practitioner’s (SPLP) skills. It is based on the practice development learning method, with skillful facilitation to enable attendees to reflect on their own practice and share their experiences of carrying out Sonas Group, Sonas Individual Multisensory (SIMS) and Relaxing Individual Sessions. It is a forum for troubleshooting and learning. Time is also devoted to how SPLPs are documenting the Sonas sessions and whether it is being done in a way that best meets the needs of the people who take part in Sonas sessions.