7 Essential Oils That Help Seniors Manage Dementia

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Essential Oils That Help Seniors With Dementia in Philadelphia, PA

Scientists may not have discovered a cure for dementia yet, but there are ways to ease the symptoms of this health condition. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Philadelphia Home Care Assistance, an elderly care provider families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Aromatherapy is a great way to decrease anxiety, relieve depression, and boost mood. Here are 7 essential oils that may help seniors manage dementia.

1. Peppermint

Seniors with dementia may feel anxious at times. Peppermint increases energy levels, calms the nerves, and boosts mental capacity. Caregivers should use this scent in the mornings, as it’s a great way to wake up seniors.

2. Ginger

If a senior with dementia has digestive issues, ginger is an effective way to treat constipation, loss of appetite, and other concerns. Ginger can be applied via diffuser, inhalation, abdominal massage, or as a room spray.

3. Ylang Ylang

People with dementia often have difficulty sleeping, and they may experience nighttime restlessness and disorientation. To combat these issues, caregivers can use essential oils that promote a healthy sleep schedule. Ylang Ylang is an essential oil that can enhance quality of sleep. It has a slight sedative effect, which helps restless seniors get some much-needed sleep.

4. Bergamot

When seniors with dementia are feeling depressed or stressed, the right scent can lift their spirits. Bergamot is known to calm the nerves and stimulate feelings of joy, making it ideal for seniors who feel depressed or anxious. This scent can be used in baths or as a massage oil.

If you are the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Philadelphia, PA, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

5. Lemon

When used for aromatherapy, lemon oil offers several benefits. It can relieve feelings of anxiety, enhance digestion, and boost memory. Diffusing lemon oil into the air can be beneficial for seniors with dementia, as it fights feelings of depression and loneliness. Caregivers can apply lemon oil directly to the skin, spray it throughout the room, or drop it into a bath.

6. Rosemary

This essential oil has a pleasant, minty scent, and it has been used for centuries to boost memory and relieve inflammation. Greek scholars used rosemary to enhance cognitive function and increase alertness. Rosemary can be inhaled or sprayed throughout the room.

7. Lavender

As one of the most widely used essential oils, lavender has several practical uses. It can soothe restless nerves, decrease feelings of anger, and regulate sleep patterns. Lavender is especially effective for seniors with dementia who experience insomnia, and it can be sprayed directly onto pillows and linens to induce sleep. Caregivers can apply lavender topically to prepare their senior loved ones for bedtime.

Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Philadelphia, PA, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Call us at (215) 645-4663 to schedule a free in-home consultation.

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