When it comes to helping to bolster the quality of life for those living with dementia, it is important to find methods that are both easy as well as holistic. Thankfully, aromatherapy checks both of those boxes! Used for many centuries due to its numerous health benefits, it has been gaining traction for assisting memory care residents. This age-old practice leverages the healing properties of plants to foster health and wellness.
Here at Senior Care Villa of Loomis, we take pride in being a leading senior memory care community that embraces holistic methods to enrich the lives of our residents, especially those living with Alzheimer’s disease. A key element in our approach is the use of aromatherapy. To learn more on this topic, continue reading below!
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy involves using essential oils extracted from various plants for therapeutic purposes. These oils can be inhaled, applied topically, or used in different products around the home, providing a natural way to improve the living environment in a senior memory care community. As an added bonus, these oils smell great, which can bolster mood and make one’s memory care apartment feel all the more homey and inviting.
Aromatherapy’s Benefits in Memory Care
Aromatherapy, with its rich array of essential oils, offers a multitude of benefits, especially for residents in senior memory care communities like Senior Care Villa of Loomis. Let’s delve into a more detailed exploration of these benefits:
#1.) Stress Relief
Essential oils like lavender and chamomile have natural calming properties. They work by stimulating the release of certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin, which helps reduce stress and anxiety levels. Due to the nature of dementia, those with the disease can experience heightened levels of stress and overstimulation in a moment’s notice. Aromatherapy can be a useful tool to help soothe them and get back to feeling like themselves.
#2.) Improved Sleep Quality
Oils such as lavender and sandalwood have sedative properties that can help regulate sleep patterns. They do this by influencing the limbic system in the brain, which controls emotions and the sleep-wake cycle. Those living with dementia often experience disrupted sleep patterns, so aromatherapy could be extremely helpful to help them get better rest.
#3.) Mood Enhancement
Citrus oils, like lemon and bergamot, are known for their uplifting effects. These scents stimulate the production of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that promotes a sense of well-being and can counteract feelings of depression.
#4.) Cognitive Support
Scents like peppermint and rosemary are believed to stimulate the mind. They can increase oxygen concentration in the brain, which improves mental clarity and focus, a valuable asset in memory care. If you’re looking for a holistic way to bolster your senior loved one’s cognitive health, aromatherapy could be the answer.
#5.) Pain Relief
Eucalyptus and ginger oils have anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in relieving joint and muscle pain, which is particularly beneficial for seniors who may struggle with chronic pain conditions. Dementia takes a toll on not just cognitive health but physical health as well.
#6.) Improved Digestion
Certain oils, like ginger and peppermint, can aid in digestion. They stimulate digestive enzymes, which can help reduce bloating and discomfort, common issues in senior health.
#7.) Respiratory Health
Eucalyptus and pine oils are excellent for respiratory health. They help clear the nasal passages and can reduce the symptoms of colds, allergies, and sinusitis, offering relief and improved breathing quality.
#8.) Skin Health
Oils like tea tree and lavender have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in skin health. They can help with conditions such as dry skin, eczema, and acne, which can be particularly soothing for elderly skin.
#9.) Emotional Balance
Does your senior loved one struggle with mood swings or emotional outbursts? If so, aromatherapy could help. According to research, aromatherapy can play a role in balancing emotions. Scents like jasmine and ylang-ylang are known for their ability to alleviate stress and promote a sense of harmony and peace.
#10.) Immune System Boost
Essential oils like lemon and tea tree are known for their antimicrobial properties. Regular use in a senior memory care setting can help strengthen the immune system, making residents less susceptible to infections.
#11.) Memory Enhancement
Rosemary, in particular, is celebrated for its ability to improve memory recall. It can stimulate cognitive function, which is particularly beneficial in a memory care setting.
Popular Essential Oils and Their Uses
Though we listed a range of scents above, here are some of the most popular ones that you can use to cater to the diverse preferences and needs of your senior loved one living with dementia:
Lavender
This scent is renowned for its relaxing properties, ideal for creating a calming environment.
Citrus (Lemon, Orange)
These lively scents energize the senses and foster positivity.
Peppermint
Known for enhancing focus and mental clarity.
Jasmine
Chosen for its uplifting and stress-relieving effects.
Integrating Aromatherapy in Everyday Life
Including aromatherapy in your daily life doesn’t have to be complicated nor expensive. There is a wide array of products that are affordable and easy to use. Below are some of our favorite ways that can incorporate the benefits of aromatherapy into your daily life.
Room Sprays
You can use natural sprays to refresh living areas. Also spray on bed linens or pillowcases to help promote better sleep.
Bath Bombs and Lotions
Using bath bombs and lotions enriched with essential oils for a soothing bathing experience. Not only that, but it can improve your skin health!
Diffusers
A diffuser can be used to spread comforting scents throughout communal areas and improve the ambiance of your senior’s space.
Our Commitment to Excellence and a Loving Home Environment
Senior Care Villa of Loomis is dedicated to setting new standards of excellence in senior memory care. We focus on acknowledging the whole person, addressing their social, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Our loving home environment offers the comfort of home cooked meals and opportunities for social engagement, alongside activities like music, creative arts, and more, all in a safe and secure setting.
Discover Our Senior Memory Care Community
We warmly invite you to explore the serenity of our community and see firsthand how we are redefining senior memory care. Contact us today to tour our community or to learn more about how Senior Care Villa of Loomis is pioneering in providing a nurturing and holistic environment for our residents to flourish.
