Therapy-led 24 hour approach to sensory-motor integration in advanced dementia
This section explains what paratonia is, its causes, and why a gentle, “low and slow” approach is essential for prevention. It also highlights the need for a coordinated, 24-hour multidisciplinary care strategy to manage paratonia effectively and reduce the risk of contractures and fetal posture.
Webinar Parts
Stimulating primary sensory input: ComfortCare principles in practice
Part 2 focuses on proactive strategies to prevent contractures and fetal posture using a 24-hour, therapy-led approach guided by ComfortCare principles.
Reducing environmental input: Supporting body awareness in advanced dementia
Part 3 explores how environmental factors- such as architecture, care routines, and reduced sensory input, can positively influence paratonia and help prevent contractures and fetal posture by supporting internal body awareness and regulation.
Learning Outcomes
- What is paratonia
- What causes paratonia
- What can be performed to tackle the cause of contractures and fetal posture, instead of only addressing the consequences
- Why we need to perform our approach as low & slow instead of high & fast in relation to paratonia, and in preventing contractures and fetal posture
- Why addressing paratonia correctly requires a multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary 24-hour approach
- What relates to the 24-hour approach in preventing contractures and fetal posture within the ComfortCare principles
- Why architecture, care organisation, and deprivation of environmental sensory input can have a positive effect on paratonia, and on preventing contractures and fetal posture
Meet our Experts

Jo has been working as a physiotherapist for people with dementia for over 20 years, primarily at the elderly nursing care home De Wingerd in Leuven. Currently, Jo serves as an Expert in Care Innovation and ComfortCare for the Woonzorgnet Dijleland group, which includes De Wingerd. Through Jo's business, ComfortCare, he has been providing training globally for more than 10 years."
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