Scents can be powerful, instantly brightening the mood and making people feel at peace. For this reason, many wellness centers and independent living facilities are incorporating aromatherapy into daily life for their residents. Here’s what you should know about the practice to see if it would benefit a senior loved one in your life. 

Understanding Aromatherapy for Seniors

What Is Aromatherapy? 

Simply put, aromatherapy is a holistic health practice that uses plant extracts to infuse the air with scent. Used since the 16th century, aromatherapy is thought to have a variety of physical and mental benefits, and is drug-free, so even those with other medical issues can utilize the practice. 

What Are the Benefits of Common Scents? 

Scents have been shown to conjure memories, which is especially helpful for anyone struggling with memory problems. Additionally, many scents have been shown to alleviate stress and anxiety just as well as medications. For instance, lavender has a natural calming effect and can help promote sleep. Peppermint has been shown to calm nerves and brighten mood, while bergamot can help with insomnia. Oils can also be mixed to tackle a longer list of health concerns, making it easy to customize the experience for anyone. 

How Is Aromatherapy Offered? 

While oils can be diffused into the air in independent living facilities or at home, they can also be added to lotions or creams that people can wear whenever they need a quick pick-me-up. Some people also wear small vials of their favorite aromatherapy oils that they can use to dab on pressure points whenever they want to boost their mood or calm anxiety. 

Aromatherapy is just one of the ways to improve quality of life for a senior loved one. The team at Englewood Health Care Center is committed to creating a safe, comfortable space that residents can call home. In addition to offering independent living, this skilled nursing facility can also help residents who need assisted living and rehabilitation care. With a commitment to helping their patients with physical, emotional, and mental wellness, you can rest assured that your loved one will be cared for carefully. Find out more about their program by visiting them online, or call (251) 575-3285 to schedule a tour of the independent living facility today.