When a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it is vital to find various ways to bolster their overall quality life. One holistic method that is centuries old but is gaining traction in the Western world is aromatherapy. All too often, aromatherapy gets dismissed as just a way to make a room smell delightful, but that couldn’t be further from the truth!
Below, we have compiled a wealth of information about aromatherapy, how it can benefit residents of our dementia care in Thousand Oaks, as well as simple ways it can be implemented into everyday life. Continue reading to get all the details!
What is Aromatherapy?
You have likely heard about it, but you might be wondering: what exactly is aromatherapy? Aromatherapy, a holistic healing treatment, uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. It involves the use of essential oils, which are aromatic compounds extracted from plants. These oils capture the plant’s scent and flavor, or ‘essence’, providing unique therapeutic properties. It has been used for centuries all around the world, including in ancient Asian arts.
8 Benefits You Need to Know
At Sage Mountain, we recognize that living with memory loss due to dementia presents unique challenges. We focus on the individual, not just the disease. As part of our dementia care in Thousand Oaks, we encourage residents to engage with aromatherapy, seeing remarkable benefits in cognitive function and overall well-being for those living with dementia. Listed below are a few of the best health benefits of aromatherapy, particularly for memory care residents.
#1.) Stress Reduction
One of the main symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is increased feelings of stress, agitation, and anxiety. This is usually due to the person with the disease struggling to remember where they are, what they’re doing, or being confused about daily tasks. Aromatherapy is known for its calming effects, helping to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which is particularly beneficial for those with dementia.
#2.) Improved Sleep Quality
Does your senior loved one struggle to get quality rest at night? Certain essential oils promote relaxation and can improve sleep quality, a common challenge for memory care residents. When you are better rested, you are going to experience a better quality of life.
#3.) Enhanced Mood and Cognitive Function
When cognitive function is impacted by dementia, it can cause changes to mood and disposition. Aromatherapy has been shown to boost mood and cognitive function, fostering a sense of joy and clarity in memory care residents, including those at our dementia care in Thousand Oaks.
#4.) Pain Relief
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia don’t just affect the brain, but can also cause issues in the body as well. Those living with dementia often face bodily aches and pains. To remedy this, some essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties, offering natural pain relief.
#5.) Increased Alertness
When one is alert and aware of their surroundings, they experience a heightened quality of life. Certain oils can enhance alertness and memory, aiding in daily cognitive functioning. This allows memory care residents to feel more present in the moment and participate in various events and activities.
#6.) Soothing of Agitation
The soothing properties of aromatherapy can reduce agitation, a common symptom in dementia. If your senior loved one often experiences outbursts of agitation, try transitioning them to a quieter, more comfortable space. In addition to this, run an essential oil diffuser or add a spritz of an essential oil room spray. Together, this should help your loved one feel more calm.
#7.) Enhanced Communication
The ability to communicate is commonly impacted once a senior has been diagnosed with dementia. Typically, both oral and written communication can be affected. Aromatherapy can help improve communication abilities by stimulating the senses.
#8.) Overall Well-being
The holistic nature of aromatherapy contributes to the overall well-being of our residents, allowing them to lead a happier and healthier life. However, we encourage everyone to consult with their primary care provider prior to beginning any kind of aromatherapy treatment.
Popular Essential Oils and Their Uses
When it comes to aromatherapy, it is important to utilize a variety of essential oils. This is because each oil has its own unique set of benefits. Here are a few of our favorites:
Lavender:
Known for its calming and relaxing properties.
Peppermint:
Boosts energy and aids in digestion.
Lemon:
Enhances mood and alertness.
Rosemary:
Known to improve memory and concentration.
Eucalyptus:
Offers respiratory benefits and energizes.
Incorporating Aromatherapy into Daily Life
When it comes to integrating aromatherapy into the daily lives of seniors, there are a wide myriad of products that you can use. These include diffusers, which gently release the essence of essential oils into the air, bath bombs for a relaxing and therapeutic bathing experience, lotions for nourishing the skin while providing the benefits of aromatherapy, and room sprays to create a soothing environment.
Tour the Best Dementia Care in Thousand Oaks
Our community offers more than just memory care; it’s a place of enrichment and joy. With rates for a private memory care apartment starting at $6995 and companion rates from $6195, including amenities like 24-hour emergency alert systems, spacious closets, individual temperature control, smoke and fire alarms, walk-in showers with built-in benches, basic cable-TV, Wi-Fi access, and maintenance services, Sage Mountain is the epitome of comfortable and secure living.
At Sage Mountain, a resort-style senior living community, we embrace the essence of a fulfilling life. Our commitment to top-notch care, abundant amenities, and personalized services ensures that residents live at their fullest potential. With stunning views of the rolling mountains and Conejo Valley, Sage Mountain offers more than just comfort; it’s a place where sunsets and sunrises mark the beginning of beautiful memories.
We invite you to experience the vibrant, caring community at Sage Mountain. Discover how we make every day enriching and fulfilling for those in our memory care. Contact us to learn more and take a tour of our beautiful community. Here, in the heart of Thousand Oaks, we don’t just look after our residents; we ensure they thrive.
