This is a question we’re often asked. It’s brilliant that so many of our healthcare clients want to start using essential oils – including those from the Linde Care range – in their workplaces, at home and in healthcare settings. We’ve already visited a number of wonderful healthcare organisations to observe and brainstorm. It’s exciting to set this up, but how do you ensure all your colleagues get involved and how do you achieve the desired effect? Do read on for some tips and tricks!
Every healthcare facility is different
We are currently working with various mental health organisations, organisations providing care for the elderly, psychogeriatric services, hospices, maternity care services, care services for people with disabilities, etc.
Designed specifically for all healthcare facilities, the ‘Linde Care’ range. This range has been designed to meet the needs of the elderly, the sick, those in the final stages of life, and children and adults with disabilities. Contraindications were taken into account when creating this range, as medication and medical conditions are often a factor. We will therefore always refer our care clients to this range!
You’ll understand that different settings have different aims when it comes to using essential oils. Let’s start there. What is your aim in your workplace? Is this aim intended for the whole department, or is it focused on a single client?
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𝙰𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖
Of course, we have various options for this. Is your aim to create a particular atmosphere in a communal living room in a psychogeriatric care home? If so, use a aroma stream. This is a diffuser that disperses the scent of the oils by blowing air through a filter. As no water is involved, there is no risk of anyone ingesting it, and it can be used safely on the ward.
PLEASE NOTE: Use one filter per oil. Use a new filter for each new scent; this will prevent the scents from mixing and ensure you achieve the effect you want! Write on the side of the filter which fragrance can be used on it. That way, you can keep the filters clearly separate.
𝙶𝚎𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚎𝚗
Do you work in a hospice and would you like to have a soothing scent in a client’s room? A diffuser might give off a scent that’s too overpowering in such a small space. In that case, start by using a fragrance stone. Put a few drops of oil on it and let the scent spread throughout the room.
PLEASE NOTE: The same applies to the fragrance stone – use one fragrance stone per oil.
𝚁𝚘𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚗
Would you prefer to use the oils for a single client? In that case, a roll-on from the Linde Care range could also be the answer. A roll-on is also intended for a single person, as you apply it to the skin using the roller. It is unhygienic to use this on different people. You can apply the roller to the wrists, temples, neck or chest. Always test a small amount on the wrists first to check whether someone is allergic to a particular oil. You’ll notice this straight away if the skin becomes irritated. The risk is quite low, as only safe oils have been used in the fragrances, but it’s always good to be aware of how the skin reacts.
TIP: As the roll-on is for personal use only, ensure it remains personal. If someone is unable to use the roll-on independently, keep it in the medicine drawer or cupboard. You can also have the roll-on added to the medication list, so that your colleagues do not forget to, for example, the ‘Be Sleepy’ roller to arrive at your client’s place at 8.00 pm.
One last tip
Create a specific objective in the report that you and your colleagues can report on. Ask your colleagues to write down in detail what they observe: what strikes you about the client’s behaviour before you use the essential oil, and what strikes you afterwards? That way, you can let anyone reading this know what you aimed to achieve with this client and how things are going now!
I hope you find this first blog post useful! In future blog posts, I’ll go into more detail about how to draw up a plan to introduce the Linde Care range at your workplace. You can contact us by telephone or email if you have any questions. zorg@degroenelinde.nl.
𝙻𝚒𝚎𝚏𝚜 𝚑𝚎𝚝 𝚣𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚖
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