New aromatherapy program offered at GracePointe Crossing - Isanti County News

[MassageNews]

When walking through the doors of GracePointe Crossing senior living community you may notice the relaxing scent of lavender in the day room or the “clean air” scent of lemon in the kitchen.


Deb Rydberg and Laura Kolzow explain that GracePointe Crossing uses five different scents to provide positive results for its residents as part of a new aromatherapy program.

This is all part of a new aromatherapy program offered within GracePointe Crossing as another way to provide the best possible care for its residents.

Laura Kolzow and Deb Rydberg explained that GracePointe Crossing uses five different scents to provide positive results for its residents. The lemon scent is being used in the dining rooms and day rooms throughout the day and evenings to give residents a feeling of “freshness” and “clean air.”

The lavender scent is being used for residents in memory care who are living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or sleep anxiety. Peppermint scent can help residents cope with pain, headaches, arthritis pain or nausea. “Serendipity” and “Sleepytime” scents are being used in the evenings to provide a calm, relaxing atmosphere.

Kolzow and Rydberg said the scents are used in a variety of ways including diffusers in dayrooms and kitchens; lotions; roll-ons; spray bottles, by spraying the scents on blankets or other materials; and by putting a couple drops on terracotta necklaces that were made by their residents.

“Families are very excited about our new aromatherapy program,” Rydberg said. “This program helps us look at alternatives to additional medications. We are seeing a lot more aromatherapy programs in the major hospitals as well. This is just another step forward to provide the best care possible for our residents.”


Diffusers are being used as part of a new aromatherapy program offered at GracePointe Crossing.

Kolzow said she’s seeing positive results since starting the aromatherapy program.

“We’ve seen calmer behavior among residents, especially those with memory loss, and have heard from many families notice a positive change in their loved ones,” Kolzow said. “We are working to personalize the program even more for individual residents. We are seeing many benefits from this program.”

Kolzow noted that the aromatherapy program follows a trend toward more natural remedies to help people with their health issues and improve their overall general health.

“I feel this program really treats the mind, body and spirit,” Kolzow said.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

As part of the ACT on Alzheimer’s efforts to create dementia-friendly communities throughout the state of Minnesota, GracePointe Crossing is pleased to offer ongoing meetings to support caregivers, families and friends affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Education, information and support is provided.

Monthly meetings will be held every third Tuesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. beginning Oct. 20 at the GracePointe Crossing Heritage Center, 322 RiverHills Place N., Cambridge. The meeting will be facilitated by Molly Carlson, Housing Counselor at GracePointe Crossing. Refreshments will be served.

For more information on the senior living communities, or services and programs of GracePointe Crossing, contact Julie Tooker at 763-691-6192, email her at [email protected] or visit www.gracepointecrossing.org.