Bedford-based Carleton-Willard Village's Alzheimer unit uses aromatherapy as ... - Wicked Local

[MassageNews]

The power of smell has proved itself as a therapeutic tool for relaxation, but now its restorative powers have been utilized as a way to bring comfort to those living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.


From the soothing notes of lavender to the fresh zing of lemon oil, these fragrances along with other essential oils, are now being used at the Bedford-based Carleton-Willard Village's Ross-Worthen Center for Alzheimer Care facility to not only help residents manage anxiety, but as a daily ritual making day-to-day transitions a more calming experience.


While these types of treatments don't replace traditional medication, they are aimed at reducing the amount of additional medication patients take to manage anxiety and stress.


When it came time to give a one-on-one hand massages, it was clear that residents looked forward to the personal care. As a nurse brought out a small box of oils, a smile shot across the first recipient’s face. When asked if she was ready for the lemon oil treatment the resident nodded with enthusiasm and popped her hands up onto the small table in anticipation.


Ross-Worthen Program Director Marie Sherman said the aromatherapy is part of an overall sensory group, which use all five senses; sight, smell, touch, taste and sound as therapeutic tools for later-stage Alzheimer's and dementia patients. She added that these types of treatments are not only limited to later-stage residents, but can be beneficial to any patient feeling anxiety or distress.


“If someone is feeling agitated, or confused in a moment we might employ sensory aromatherapy for them,” said Sherman adding that the lemon oil is also used on residents prior to meals to give them a sensory sign that it's almost time to eat. “Like a lavender lotion for a hand massage. It is the attention, it is the massage, it is the aroma all combined in lieu of using medications.”


Sherman said personally she is a huge proponent of the sensory therapies, hosting her own tea parties on the unit where she and residents will enjoy the different flavors of herbal teas, each having its own calming or memory-inducing affects.


“That really brings them back with whichever taste,” said Sherman, the tea boxes on display in her office. “They will say, ‘Cherry! Black cherry! That reminds of me of the ice cream I used to have on Nantucket.’ So, there is reminiscing involved. It improves their cognition, it improves their disposition, because they’re happy, because these are pleasant thoughts.”


Sherman said family members have even seen the positive effects of the sensory therapy. She said in some instances families will sit in on the treatments and be overwhelmed at how much their love one is engaged in the activity in that moment.


Page 2 of 2 - For Chelmsford resident Jan Kolba, watching her mother battle the illness for the last seven years has been both difficult and overwhelming, but she said the moments she has watched her mother receive the aromatherapy have been a beautiful experience.


“There have been a lot of changes in the last seven years,” said Kolba. “The whole sensory group is an amazing thing. It enriches her life and I can see everyone is very calm. I even love the smell of the room when I walk in.”


She said now in the later-stages of the disease her mom is not verbal, but watching her body language Kolba said she can see her relax during the treatments.


“They provide great care,” said Kolba. “It's like an extended family.”
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