Sensory Supported Aromatherapy for Individuals Living with Dementia at Lehigh Commons Senior Living, Macungie PA
Gradual decline across the five senses (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, and gustatory) is often part of normal aging and can lead to loss of independence, social isolation, disorientation and confusion, safety risks, and other adverse outcomes. However, sensory change is also specific to cognitive impairment. Older persons living with dementia are particularly vulnerable to sensory deficits, which can reduce their capacity to interpret and manage the demands of their environment. Supportive sensory practices with basic care practices can help reduce confusion and enhance orientation.
The support across the five senses can be greatly essential for individuals living with dementia. There are a wide range of techniques available to correct sensory imbalances, increase alertness, reduce anxiety and agitation, and enhance quality of life. Aromatherapy has been noted to be one of those evaluated sensory techniques.
There has been a long history of using essential oils, plants and herbal therapy for its restorative properties for mind, body and spirit.
Some essential oils, such as chamomile, can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Used for brain health, Rosemary essential oil may help protect the brain from chronic anticholinesterase diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The aroma of sweet orange has the ability to boost mood. The use of essential oils can be endless with homeopathic benefits.
To assist with promoting life enrichment programming and fostering well-being utilizing the five senses, we have introduced Aromatherapy with the use of warm towels. The administration of scented oils via heated towels to induce a calm and positive effect. Social and physical contact can be a key therapeutic element in aromatherapy practices that is well-accepted by recipients with no harmful effects.
The sense of scent combined with the sense of touch can reach the innermost parts of the person. When fear, agitation, restlessness or anxiety is elevated, the use of aromatherapy can often help to ease the effects of these common behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia in a natural, harmless, holistic approach.
Aromas have the potential power to activate a number of physical and emotional responses. Certain aromas can set a childhood memory in motion, bringing back long forgotten thoughts, faces and feelings. Just like the smell of home-baked cookies wafting from our kitchens. Aromatherapy is a wonderful and pleasant way to reach our residents and to help caregivers cope with tasks of daily living. Aromas and Fragrances are an essence of long- term memories to be brought back to life within the degenerative diseases of dementia. By continuing to support across the five senses, this fires up the brain cells to reminisce those past long forgotten thoughts, faces and feelings. We want to help foster strong connections with those pleasant memories for those residents in our community for as long as they have the ability to.