The combination of a busy acute hospital setting and a lowered stress threshold in the older person (Hall and Buckwalter 1987) can create experiences of haste, chaos and disorganisation for the older person, as it did for Emmy. It might not be surprising to find reactions such as anxiety,agitation and restlessness in the older person as a response to sensory overload. A slower pace of care and carers, and reduced noise from telephones, buzzers and televisions can foster a relaxed and safe atmosphere (Edvardsson 2008). Optimal stimulation implies a fine balance and requires active reflection about the ambience of the ward. For Ronnie, the experience of seeing his mother in the busy acute hospital was very stressful. A small detail such as being met by staff providing a couple of minutes of calm attentive listening can contribute to beneficial family outcomes.