AROMATHERAPY

People with dementia tend to lose their sense of smell (referred to as anosmia`)though this is not believed to interfere with the effects of essential oils. For those clients who do still have a sense of smell, it is important that therapists allow them to choose their own oils where possible. This is because some aromas may have negative connotations for the elderly. E.g. for many Europeans aged 70+ lavender may be associated with death or dying relatives, as this particular herb was often used to scent bed linen and night garments. Some aromatherapists, believe that clients will instinctively select those oils that are best for them, at any given time. Various studies and experienced practitioners have suggested that certain essential oils may be of particular benefit to some of the symptoms associated with dementia. 

For memory loss/ cognitive function. 

• Rosemary-Geranium-Mandarin-Lemon Balm-Peppermint –Lavender

For disturbed sleep/ insomnia 

• Lavender-Marjoram-Camomile-Neroli.

Clinical studies have shown that small amounts of lavender: can be effective as a sedative ( or reduce the amount required) do not have the same undesirable side effects as some sedatives (e.g. constipation, confusion, incontinence due to abnormally deep sleep) is more cost-effective than sedatives or other medical interventions used to counteract the side effects of sedatives. It is advised that only the normal concentration of essential oils should be used when massaging elderly, e.g.1%. Drops on a pillow, in the bath, or in a vapouriser/burner may just as beneficial and preferable to elderly clients ( though vapourised oils will obviously affect other people present in the room, which could present a problem in a nursing home or hospital environment.

Ref: International Therapist-Issue 63-March/April 2005

Benefits experienced by the carer:

Respite/ short break from their often 24 hour role as carer Improved health for the client can lessen the pressure upon the carer Re-assurance that the client is receiving help and Comfort The opportunity to talk and discuss issues that are very important to them The opportunity to obtain information regarding services that can aid the home .It has now been confirmed by the Social Services that The Lavender Project will I receive further funding from the Carers Grant, meaning that it will continue to run until at least March 2004.Up until recently, I have been unable to perform treatments on the carers themselves due to the funding arrangements, which has proved incredibly frustrating to a number of the carers I have come in contact with.

lavender project

This is understandable, as it can be hard to draw the line between who is the carer and who is being cared for. It is also a huge burden to look after someone for 24 hours a day, regardless of your age or the extent of the other person`s difficulties. However, as a result of the demand for treatments from the carers themselves, I will now be able to give aromatherapy to a small percentage over the next 6-7months, which is incredibly good news.

I am just delighted to be part of this Project. It is my opinion that the elderly and their carers are a client group often overlooked, and there are so many ways in which complementary therapies can be of benefit—as The Lavender Project is proving. My sincerest thanks go out to the Social Services and Mind, who have made this work possible. I only hope that this will be the blueprint for other projects.

Ref: International Therapist-The Lavender Project

All the response forms completed by The Project`s clients and carers have been very positive-the only complaint so far has been that they would have liked more treatments.

Benefits experienced by the client:

• Relief from aches and pains
• Improved sleep
• Relaxation and relief from stress and anxiety
• Lifting of spirits
• Increased mobility, particularly joints
• Improved skin conditions
• Enjoyment of touch that can bring comfort, acceptance and inner peace.

Kevin Wilson, FICHT, was a primary school teacher and headmaster for over twenty years. Although he knew that stress was affecting his health, it wasn`t until he was rushed to hospital for open heart surgery in 1997 that Kevin realised just how much his body had been suffering over the years.

Although he returned to his post as a headmaster after convalescence period of 6 months, he decided to take early retirement in January 2002 when it became evident that stress was an inherent part of the job and could not be maintained at a comfortable level.

Having experienced the benefits of acupuncture, shiatsu and reflexology first hand, Kevin decided to start a new career in the field of complementary therapies, and so gained a VTCT Diploma in Holistic Therapies in 2002. He is now the Manager of The Lavender Project, bringing aromatherapy massage to people aged 65+ in the Norwich City Area, who are cared for in their own homes. Kevin spoke to the FHT about his involvement in The Project, funded by Social Services and run under the banner of the mental health charity, Mind…..

In 2000, Norwich Social Services ran a 6 month pilot study, providing aromatherapy treatments for the elderly, both in their homes and in day care centers. Apart from improving the physical and mental well being of each client, one of the main objectives of the study was to support the client`s carer, helping them to continue in their role and keep the home independent and less likely to need increased support from outside agencies.

The study proved to be a great success, and Social Services were keen to continue providing complementary therapy support for this particular group. In September 2002, shortly after the study was completed, Mind, Body and Soul  (Minds holistic advice, information and support service) made a successful bid to run The Lavender Project, to be funded by the Carers Grant. As I was already working as a voluntary therapist for Mind at the time, the management of the project fell into my hands-it was certainly one of those cases of being in the right place at the right time.

The Lavender Project is aimed at people over the age of 65 who are cared for and live in their homes within the City of Norwich. client is entitled to 6 free aromatherapy treatments, at the end of which they are asked to complete an evaluation form to help us establish the many different ways in which The project is having an impact on their lives.

Ref: International Therapist-The Lavender Project 

At this point in time, I am paid to work two days a week for the project, though I frequently find myself working more then this-which is something I am happy to do on a voluntary basis, as the work is very rewarding. At the moment I am the only therapist working for The Project, but if the number of clients continues to rise, then one or more therapists may need to be taken on in order to meet the demand. The Lavender Project did take a while to get off the ground, but this was to be expected. I spent a lot of my time in the early months forging useful contacts and familiarising the local media and support groups with the services on offer, e.g; BBC radio; Eastern Daily Press; Age Concern; Alzheimers  Association; Salvation Army; local hospitals; Doctor`s surgeries, and various associations for carers.

I am still heavily involved in promoting the Project (and Mind in general), often attending fairs, talks and exhibitions throughout Norwich and surrounding areas. Slowly but surely, referrals are starting to come in, but as most therapists will be aware, much comes down to word of mouth. By June 2003, a total of 36 clients had registered and received aromatherapy treatments through The Lavender Project. The majority of these clients do have one or more contra-indications.

Typical conditions affecting the elderly clients I have seen include: major surgery; Parkinsons disease; Alzheimers; arthritis;(both osteo and rheumatoid );various skin complaints; and depression/stress. Stress and depression is something that not many people associate with the elderly-when we think of stress, we tend to think of people who lead active and busy lives.

But the elderly have a lot to contend with.The prospect of dying. A rapid or severe decline in health. losing their home. Losing their independence. Losing their loved ones. Ufortunately, GP permission has never been a problem, despite the range and number of complaints some clients have.

In the majority of cases, Doctors have began to appreciate the benefits that complementary therapies can bring to their patients. Occasionally, the Doctor has suggested modifying the treatment to avoid a particular area of the body, but most clients do not receive a full aromatherapy massage anyway.

The areas I tend to concentrate on are the joints, the knees, the feet, and the neck and shoulders, as these tend to harbour the most aches and pain for clients. Those with poor skin conditions and circulatory problems also benefit from more specific treatments. All the response forms completed by The Project`s clients and carers have been very positive-the only complaint so far has been that they would have liked more treatments.

Ref: International Therapist-The Lavender Project