Source: Robboe Schubert

Tools and methods

Most aromatherapy treatments for residents use a standard 3% concentrated plant essential oil in a base cream, grape seed oil, aloe vera gel, or a spray, either way. Through a positive reaction, we continue to conquer and promote "aromatic emulsions" containing 1% concentrated plant essential oils. Due to time constraints, we often use pre-mixed plant essential oils, but individual oils are still formulated for specific conditions or individual needs. During the four-month period, we provided 146 aromatherapy treatments. When the volunteers are given the appropriate posture for the treatment, they are constantly improving and reaffirming: we continue to look for new ways for residents who are in bed or water chairs to adapt and feel comfortable. The “deep cushion” is very effective and can be used by residents to lie on a small table or bedside.

The hand massages we provide to residents and those who are responsible for caring for residents are different from the standard hand massages taught in most aromatherapy courses. Our massage focuses on the palm of the hand (rather than the upper end of the hand) and incorporates a movement that repeats slowly with a "heartbeat" rhythm. The purpose of our hand massage is to connect and relax.

Occupational health and safety

Small recyclable containers, which are usually given oil-removing, are left to the cognizant residents, and the family and the person responsible for the care of the residents are properly cleaned, if made of glass, dried in an oven.

Large containers and wooden digging sticks used by volunteers can only be used once, with the required amount of emulsion on the hands of volunteers. After the digging rod is used, it will be broken into two halves and discarded. Towels are placed across the legs of volunteers and residents to form a symbol of connection. After the towel has been used once, it needs to be rolled up (the towel is not folded when it is delivered from the laundry room), indicating that it has been used.

“If this plan is not the commitment of all employees, this plan will not be possible. I am especially grateful to the two employees, one is to ensure that the prepared towel is given to us, one is to clean and fold every week. Laundry staff with over 70 towels."

Robbie Schubert

Control of infectious diseases

According to the general rules, we do not need to use gloves. If the residents have open wounds or if the volunteers have open cuts or abrasions that cannot be effectively covered, we will 'wear gloves.' The nursing staff will be alert to our infectious diseases. If you need to wear gloves We will use the foot bath instead of trying to massage.

Washing hands must not be overlooked during the massage process, or even when visiting residents. The responsibility for protection is the most important, always paying attention to the possibility of cross-infection.

  in conclusion

Despite the expectation of doping, aromatherapy has been used in Nareen Gardens for nearly three years, and the results are as expected. Specific conclusions include:

※Residents are "more relaxed"

※ Temporary soothing of arthritis pain

※Short relief of tremor

※Helping to fight against grief and loss

※Maintain and improve the level of personal awareness (in terms of dementia residents)

※ Improve social participation

※ Help fight depression and anxiety

※There are positive results when using group support and treatment workshops

One-on-one contact and ample time with residents living alone in the room can enhance the treatment to create a new benchmark for quality of life.

“Special residents are often silent when they are in contact, do not like communication, shyness, and sensitivity. He will be encouraged to watch aromatherapy workshops. During the next workshop, he will be encouraged to try foot bath. He will love the foot bath. In particular, the warm water fills his legs. After that, when he allows a hand massage, everyone will be pleasantly surprised. Some people are unwilling to open up and accept contact, which is a wonderful experience for all of us." An event staff

The simplest and most grateful result is continued pleasure due to safe and respectful contact. This is publicly recognized by residents. Regardless of how determined the caregiver is for the individual's personal care, contact deprivation can establish itself as an important and toxic manifestation of institutionalized life. Massages or “intentional touches” used in aromatherapy treatments have shown many residents' needs for touch deprivation.

Always aware that we have been welcomed by everyone to enter the personal space, this welcome represents a major opportunity (doing useful things) and a huge responsibility (respecting each individual).

Special observation of dementia

We are interested in noting that most residents living in dementia units prefer base oils to base creams. Suppose this is possible because these residents are very sensitive to changes in temperature, so residents are more sensitive to the initial colder base cream and warmer oil on volunteers' warm hands.

Although most residents are considered to lack cognitive skills, they are still responsive when they choose their scent. A week after visiting this unit, residents are now responding to our attendance, getting ready to give them a hand massage or lifting up the treatment positions they usually do in nearby chairs. As we progressed in depth, some demented residents reversed their roles during the treatment and began to follow the same slow pulse frequency and undoubtedly sighs that the volunteers massaged their hands.

Nursing staff are grateful that aromatherapy can have a positive impact on the suffering of residents who suffer from "lightening of the sun's strength" (often insane at night). We now arrange to visit these residents at noon and give aromatherapy treatments to get results. We usually make these residents have a deep sleep, or at least in a very relaxed state. Calm and familiar background music is also used for these patients during the course of treatment. Using this joint approach not only helps with aggression and social prohibition, but also calms the emotional swing.