Shore Medical Center Expands Sensory-Friendly Programs with New Respiratory Therapy and Radiology Services

Shore Medical Center has expanded its sensory-friendly programs to include Respiratory Therapy and Radiology services, helping neurodiverse patients receive more personalized care in an environment designed to reduce anxiety, support individual sensory needs, and improve access to essential healthcare services and patient outcomes.

The expansion was made possible through the generous support of the Eagles Autism Foundation, which funded sensory-friendly enhancements in Respiratory Therapy, and Mike and Jeannie Monichetti, whose philanthropy supported the addition of sensory-friendly accommodations within Radiology, to include CT scans and X-rays.

Developed in partnership with experts from the Atlantic County Special Services School District, including occupational and speech therapists, Shore's sensory-friendly program is designed to help neurodiverse patients and others with sensory sensitivities feel more comfortable, supported, and understood throughout their healthcare experience.

The addition of Respiratory Therapy and Radiology builds upon Shore's existing sensory-friendly services, which are available in the Pediatric Care Center (a separate child-friendly ER and inpatient unit), Adult Emergency Department, and Outpatient Testing for bloodwork and EKGs.

"At Shore, we believe every patient deserves access to care in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and supported," said Jill Shultz, RN, MSN, Chief Nursing Officer at Shore Medical Center. "The expansion of our sensory-friendly program allows us to better meet the needs of patients and families who can benefit from additional support in traditional healthcare settings. We are deeply grateful to the Eagles Autism Foundation and Mike and Jeannie Monichetti for helping us continue this important work."

The new sensory-friendly Radiology program includes a mobile sensory care cart filled with sensory tools and toys, including weighted blankets and noise canceling head-phones, as well as undersea projections above the imaging area, dimmable lighting, reduced-noise environments, communication tools, and radiologic technologists trained in sensory-friendly care. These accommodations are designed to help patients feel more at ease while undergoing X-rays and CT scans.

Sensory-friendly Respiratory Therapy services feature a mobile sensory care cart, animal-themed nebulizer masks for children, quiet nebulizers, visual communication tools, and staff trained in sensory-friendly care. These enhancements help create a more positive experience for patients receiving respiratory treatments and evaluations.

In addition to department-specific accommodations, Shore Medical Center offers resources that help patients and families prepare for healthcare visits before they arrive. Families can participate in pre-visit planning and sensory conferences with trained staff, and take advantage of a reserved sensory-friendly parking space designed to make arriving at the hospital easier and less stressful.

Shore Medical Center launched its sensory-friendly healthcare initiative to address barriers that can make medical care challenging for individuals with autism, sensory processing differences, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and others who benefit from additional support. The program emphasizes communication, environmental modifications, and individualized approaches that help patients successfully navigate healthcare experiences.

"This expansion reflects Shore's commitment to providing care that recognizes and respects the unique needs of every individual," Shultz said. "We're proud to continue building a healthcare environment where patients and families feel welcomed, understood, and empowered throughout their care journey."

For more information about Shore Medical Center's sensory-friendly services, visit https://www.shoremedicalcenter.org/departments/sensory-friendly-care-programs.