While aromatherapy might seem like a new fad that’s only popped up in recent years, it is actually a practice that has been used for centuries to help with issues such as stress, anxiety, insomnia, and even depression. Not only that, but it can be great for residents at our memory care in Oceanside thanks to its potential to boost mood, improve memory, and ease agitation. Those benefits can be huge, especially for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Here at Heritage Hills, the physical and mental wellbeing of our residents is a top priority. Continue reading to learn more about aromatherapy and all the benefits that it has to offer!
What is Aromatherapy?
While you have probably heard of terms such as ‘aromatherapy’ and ‘essential oils’, you may not know exactly what they entail. As a brief explanation, aromatherapy is an ancient art that also is backed by science, using organic oils found in nature to take a holistic approach to healthcare. Bringing balance to your mind, body, and spirit is imperative, especially for someone who has been diagnosed with cognitive impairment such as dementia.
Typically, essential oils are derived from flowers, trees, grass, herbs, and other all natural sources. Each one offers a unique benefit and unique scent. When used for aromatherapy, essential oils are either applied topically, ingested orally, or enjoyed through a diffuser.
Health Benefits of Aromatherapy
As a resident of the memory care in Oceanside, you might be wondering just how you can benefit from the use of essential oils. Listed below are just a few of the ways that aromatherapy can improve your overall health and wellbeing:
1.) Relax and Ease the Mind
For memory care residents, Alzheimer’s can be a debilitating disease that can leave you feeling disoriented or on edge. Being able to relax is a luxury that you might not get often. If you are having difficulties being able to unwind and rest your mind, trying essential oils could be a good option.
2.) Reduces Inflammation
As you age, you might find yourself struggling with body aches and joint stiffness. This could be caused by increased inflammation in the body. Various essential oils can help reduce this inflammation which in turn, could lead to better rest at night, feeling more at ease, and an overall improved quality of life.
3.) Reduces Stress
Just because you are retired doesn’t mean that you can’t feel stressed. For those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, stress can be a common concern. Try diffusing essential oils in your room or applying a few small drops to your wrist. If left unchecked, stress can do a number to your body as well as your mental health.
4.) Better Sleep Quality
It is no secret that many seniors struggle to get proper rest at night. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including the inability to relax, body stiffness, medications, and more. If you don’t get adequate sleep each night, this can compound and lead to further health issues down the road. Diffusing a relaxing scent, such as lavender, can help you to get the proper rest that you deserve.
5.) Decrease Agitation
One of the primary symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is agitation. When seniors with this diagnosis become confused or disoriented, this can understandably lead to frustration and agitation. If you are wanting to minimize these negative feelings, try turning to aromatherapy! Being able to relax and soothe your anxiety will lead to decreased agitation and overall improved mood.
Types of Oils to Try
With so many types of essential oils on the market today, you might be wondering exactly where you should start. For residents of the memory care in Oceanside, below are a few of the recommended oils that you can readily purchase online or at any big box store.
Lavender
As mentioned briefly above, lavender is a wonderful, basic essential oil that can help you get started with aromatherapy. Lavender is found in many products, including body wash, bath bombs, linen sprays, and lotions. If you are seeking to feel more relaxed and to get better sleep at night, give lavender essential oils a try!
Peppermint
Were you expecting to see peppermint on this list? While it is no doubt a yummy candy, it also can act as a powerful essential oil, too! Peppermint has an energizing scent that can also stimulate the mind. Consider diffusing peppermint while trying to do puzzles or other brain activities or whenever you need an energy boost while completing various tasks.
Rosemary
While yes, rosemary makes an excellent seasoning for baked chicken, it can also be used as an essential oil! Much like peppermint, rosemary offers an invigorating and uplifting scent that can help you to feel more focused and energized. Not only that, but it can be a great option for boosting memory and cognitive performance.
Bergamot
If you are a fan of citrus scents, then you should consider using bergamot as an essential oil. Bergamot is known to help liven the senses, relieve stress, and even calm down agitation and anxiety. A few great ways to enjoy bergamot is as a bath bomb or shower melt, in a diffuser, or to use it as a massage oil.
Lemon
Last but certainly not least on our list is lemon. While it is often one of the most expensive essential oils, it is worth the price. Use lemon as a way to increase relaxation, improve your memory, and even ease digestion.
Heritage Hills – Memory Care Oceanside
After receiving a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis, one of the first things you will want to do is research various memory care communities in your area. Finding the right memory care in Oceanside can make the world of difference when it comes to maintaining your health and wellbeing. Here at Heritage Hills, we do everything we can to care for our residents and make sure we are meeting all of their needs. Contact us today to learn more about our community and even schedule a time to take a tour!
