Using Aromatherapy as Stress Relief for Seniors and Caregivers

What if one of the most potent tools for calm and comfort was simply the air you breathe? In the high-stress world of caregiving, where tension can feel ever-present for both you and your loved one, the gentle power of scent offers a surprising and accessible refuge.

Aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of plant-based essential oils, can ease anxiety, lift moods, and create a sanctuary of peace without a single pill. Let’s explore how these natural aromatic essences can become a simple yet profound part of your daily wellness toolkit.

Aromatherapy Stress Relief Helps Both Seniors and Caregivers

Caring for an older adult is a tough job. It’s also challenging to be the person whose body or mind is declining.

This chronic stress can decrease the quality of life for both seniors and caregivers. It also increases the chances of developing serious physical and mental health issues.

A simple yet effective non-drug stress-management technique, aromatherapy leverages the body’s positive response to scent to help both seniors and caregivers improve health and well-being.

We explain how scents can relieve stress, outline the benefits of aromatherapy for stress relief for seniors and caregivers, and share a list of practical, inexpensive aromatherapy supplies.

How Scents Can Relieve Stress

Smells can instantly trigger powerful memories and affect the body’s nervous system.

When the nose detects a scent, the olfactory nerve is activated. 

It signals the brain regions that control emotions, mood, and memory. These parts also regulate the autonomic nervous system, which controls the fight-or-flight and relaxation responses. 

This explains why scents can cause physical reactions.

A study found that lavender essential oil can have a calming effect similar to that of anti-anxiety medications. That’s powerful!

For example, when you enter a spa massage area and smell a soothing, pleasant scent, you start to feel calmer and more relaxed.

The Benefits of Aromatherapy for Seniors and Caregivers

Seniors and caregivers can benefit from aromatherapy in many ways, including:

• Less stress
• Improved sleep
• Improved digestion (reduced constipation)
• Reduced pain levels
• Reduced anxiety and depression

For seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, aromatherapy can help reduce challenging behaviors that are caused by anxiety or mild discomfort.

How to Use Aromatherapy for Stress Relief at Home

Aromatherapy is easy to implement. Everyone has different scent preferences, so start by identifying a couple of scents that you and your older adult enjoy.

Then experiment with different ways to scent the environment until you find what works best.

Popular scents to relieve stress, calm, and soothe:

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Peppermint
• Ylang-ylang

There are dozens of scents available, so don’t limit yourself to this list. Whatever scents please you or your older adult will work just fine.

Common ways to use essential oils:

• Scented lotion
• Bath oils/shower tablets
• Room diffusers
• Pillow spray
• Sachets
• Diffuser jewelry – uses small clay beads to release scent

Aromatherapy Supplies: Suggestions and Where to Buy Them

Scented lotions and candles

Lotions and candles are among the most commonly used forms of aromatherapy and are available almost anywhere, from drugstores to department stores.

Discount retailers such as Target, Ross, and Marshalls often offer great deals on these products.

Essential oils

If you’re going to use a diffuser, you’ll need some oil to put inside.

You can find essential oils (pure and blends) at online retailers and local natural foods stores. Major stores include Amazon (see options here) and Whole Foods.

Essential oil diffusers

Diffusers help disperse the scent of essential oils throughout a room.

Simpler versions use reeds, and others are more like scented humidifiers (note: don’t put essential oils in a regular humidifier, as it will get clogged).

Some options:

• $17 URPOWER 2nd Version 100ml Essential Oil Diffuser and Cool Mist Humidifier
• $18 Essential Oil Diffuser Small Woodgrain – Project 62
• $20 Airomé Gardenia Passive White Porcelain Diffuser, Non-Electric
• $24 URPOWER 500ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier
• $27 Earnest Living Essential Oil Diffuser White Ceramic
• $30 Pure Enrichment PureSpa Essential Oil Diffuser

Another option is to make your own reed diffuser – these instructions are helpful.

Bath soap, salts, and shower tablets

Creating a spa-like environment is an excellent way to encourage your older adult to bathe.

It’s also a great way to unwind after a long day of caregiving.

Some options:

• $7 Aveeno Stress Relief Body Wash with Soothing Oat & Lavender Scent
• $7 Aura Cacia Shower Tablets Relaxing Lavender
• $10 Dr Teal’s Bath Additive Lavender Oil
• $14 Floroma Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
• $22 Kneipp Mineral Bath Salt, Dream Away Valerian & Hops

Pillow spray

Spraying a light scent (such as lavender) onto the pillow or in the sheets often helps people relax and makes it easier to fall asleep.

Some options:

• $10 Muse Bath Apothecary Pillow Ritual – Aromatic, Calming and Relaxing Pillow Mist
• $13 Positive Essence Lavender Linen and Room Spray
• $14 Asutra Lavender and Chamomile Linen & Pillow Mist

Sachets

These scented pouches are ideal for placing on a bedside table or next to a favorite chair. They’re also simple to make at home.

Some options:

• $14 MYARO 12 Packs Rose Scented Sachets for Drawer and Closet
• $15 16 Purple French Dried Lavender Sachets
• $18 Fresh Scents Scented Sachets – Seaspray

Another option is to make your own scented sachets – we liked these instructions for simple sachets and easy coffee-filter sachets.

Final Thoughts About Aromatherapy for Aging Adults

Integrating aromatherapy into your caregiving routine is a holistic practice that nurtures both the caregiver and the cared-for. By thoughtfully selecting and using these scents, you can transform a room’s atmosphere from stress to serenity, offering comfort that words sometimes cannot.

It’s a gentle reminder that well-being can be supported in beautiful, sensory ways. Whether diffusing calming lavender or brightening citrus, you create an environment that promotes healing, rest, and resilience for everyone involved.

Recommended for you:

• 15 Quick Tips for Managing Caregiver Stress
• Caregiver Guilt: Two Common Myths Increase Stress
• 4 Ways to Reduce Stress from Caregiver Emotions

 

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