{"id":266643,"date":"2026-02-03T10:55:22","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T09:55:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/?p=266643"},"modified":"2026-02-25T13:30:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T12:30:19","slug":"the-power-of-scent-essential-oils-in-care-for-people-with-disabilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/de-kracht-van-geur-etherische-olien-in-de-gehandicaptenzorg","title":{"rendered":"The power of scent: essential oils in care for people with disabilities"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>I often hear from people in the field that the use of essential oils in the workplace isn\u2019t really taking off, because not the whole team is on board with it. Perhaps you think it\u2019s a bit of a woolly or spiritual topic. But just imagine if, in the future, we needed less medication precisely because essential oils are doing their job. That\u2019s why I\u2019d like to explain what essential oils are, what effects they can have and how you can use them. With this blog, I hope to inspire you to harness the power of scent in the workplace, together with your team. Believe me: I wish this had been possible back in my day!<\/p><p>In the care of people with disabilities, peace of mind, safety and quality of life are key. Within this field, there is an increasing focus on finding additional methods to support clients\u2019 wellbeing. One such method that has gained more attention in recent years is aromatherapy: the use of essential oils.<\/p><p>But what exactly can essential oils offer in the field of care for people with disabilities? And what do you need to bear in mind when using them? I\u2019d be happy to tell you!<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>What are essential oils?<\/em><\/h2><p>Essential oils are natural fragrances extracted from flowers, leaves, bark or other parts of plants. Examples include <a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/lavendel-olie\/\">Lavender<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/sinaasappelolie\/\">Orange<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/peppermint-oil\/\">Peppermint<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/eucalyptus-olie\/\">Eucalyptus<\/a>. These oils have been used for centuries, not only for their scent, but also for their potential effects on the body and mind.<\/p><p>There are various ways to use essential oils:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>As a spray<\/li><\/ul><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Using a diffuser (to disperse into the air)<\/li><\/ul><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>In massage oil or personal rollers (for external use on the skin)<\/li><\/ul><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>In bathwater or via a scent patch (a plaster) that you stick onto your skin<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Application in care for people with disabilities<\/em><\/h2><p>In care homes, day centres and at home, essential oils are increasingly being used to create a calming atmosphere, help clients relax or support certain behaviours. Below are some examples of how you can use essential oils safely and effectively, including with products from the <a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/products\/fragrance-lines\/linde-care\/\">Linde Care range<\/a>, which have been specially developed for use in the healthcare sector.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"13824\" height=\"6912\" src=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-293415\"\/><\/figure><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud835\ude7e\ud835\ude97\ud835\ude9d\ud835\ude99\ud835\ude9b\ud835\ude92\ud835\ude94\ud835\ude94\ud835\ude8e\ud835\ude95\ud835\ude92\ud835\ude97\ud835\ude90 \ud835\ude8e\ud835\ude97 \ud835\ude9b\ud835\ude9e\ud835\ude9c\ud835\ude9d<\/h3><p>Many clients experience sensory overload. Smells such as <a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/lavendel-olie\/\">Lavender<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/mandarijn-olie\/\">Mandarin<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/kamille-rooms-10-olie\/\">Chamomile<\/a> are known for their calming effects. A subtle scent in the room can help you relax, especially during transitional moments such as bedtime or after a busy day.<br><strong>Tip:<\/strong> <em><a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/be-calm-linde-care\/\">Be Calm<\/a><\/em><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud835\ude82\ud835\ude9d\ud835\ude8e\ud835\ude96\ud835\ude96\ud835\ude92\ud835\ude97\ud835\ude90 \ud835\ude8e\ud835\ude97 \ud835\ude90\ud835\ude8e\ud835\ude8d\ud835\ude9b\ud835\ude8a\ud835\ude90<\/h3><p>Some oils can help to lift your mood. Citrus scents such as <a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/sinaasappelolie\/\">Orange<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/citroen-olie\/\">Lemon<\/a> have an invigorating and refreshing effect. For clients experiencing mood swings or behaviour that is not fully understood, scent can offer subtle support \u2013 always, of course, as part of a broader approach.<br><strong>Tip:<\/strong> <em><a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/be-happy-linde-care\/\">Be Happy<\/a><\/em><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud835\ude89\ud835\ude92\ud835\ude97\ud835\ude9d\ud835\ude9e\ud835\ude92\ud835\ude90\ud835\ude95\ud835\ude92\ud835\ude93\ud835\ude94\ud835\ude8e \ud835\ude8b\ud835\ude8e\ud835\ude95\ud835\ude8e\ud835\ude9f\ud835\ude92\ud835\ude97\ud835\ude90<\/h3><p>For clients in disability care with an intellectual disability, scent can form part of a sensory activity. Scents can evoke memories or simply provide a pleasant stimulus in a safe environment. Aromatherapy fits perfectly with experience-based care, which emphasises the \u2018here and now\u2019.<br><strong>Tip:<\/strong> <em><a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/be-embraced-with-tender-care\/\">Be Embraced<\/a><\/em> or <em><a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/be-peaceful-linde-care\/\">Be Peaceful<\/a><\/em><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud835\ude82\ud835\ude95\ud835\ude8a\ud835\ude8a\ud835\ude99\ud835\ude98\ud835\ude97\ud835\ude8d\ud835\ude8e\ud835\ude9b\ud835\ude9c\ud835\ude9d\ud835\ude8e\ud835\ude9e\ud835\ude97\ud835\ude92\ud835\ude97\ud835\ude90<\/h3><p>Sleep problems are common in care for people with disabilities. Oils such as <a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/lavendel-olie\/\">Lavender<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/ylang-ylang-olie\/\">Ylang Ylang<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/sandalwood-west-oil\/\">Sandalwood<\/a> can, if used correctly, help you achieve a deeper and more restful sleep.<br><strong>Tip:<\/strong> <em><a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/be-sleepy-linde-care\/\">Be Sleepy<\/a><\/em><\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Safety and points to note<\/em><\/h2><p>Although essential oils are natural, they are not automatically harmless. In care for people with disabilities, it is important to handle these products with care and expertise.<\/p><p>Please note the following:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Use only 100% natural, pure oils<\/li>\n\n<li>Always dilute before applying to the skin<\/li>\n\n<li>Be aware of any allergies, asthma, hypersensitivity or contraindications<\/li>\n\n<li>Start with small amounts<\/li>\n\n<li>Do not use oils if you have epilepsy or are taking medication without consulting a doctor<\/li><\/ul><p>Close cooperation with doctors, behavioural specialists and family members is essential for safe use.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>A real-life example<\/em><\/h2><div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9eb8fe3912e860ddf1bd2923f9e4250c\">l<\/p>\n\n<p>In a residential care home for people with severe multiple disabilities, Lavender is used daily in a diffuser in the communal living room. Staff have noticed that residents react more calmly during stressful moments, such as during personal care or after dinner. Experiments are also being carried out with <a href=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/product\/be-happy-linde-care\/\">Be Happy<\/a>, which is brimming with citrus scents, to gently wake clients up in the morning.<\/p>\n\n<p>Be sure to check out our other blog posts too <em>\u201cReal-life stories\u201d<\/em> for more tips and inspiration.<\/p><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-19-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-293416\" srcset=\"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-19-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-19-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-19-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-19-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-19-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-19-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-19-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-19-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-19-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>There\u2019s no such thing as miracles\u2026.<\/em><\/h2><p>I hope I\u2019ve been able to give you a glimpse into the world of essential oils and that this blog post might have changed your mind. Remember: essential oils are not a miracle cure, but they can be a valuable addition to your existing care routine.<\/p><p>When used responsibly and with care, they help to create a pleasant atmosphere, moments of tranquillity and a sensory experience. And that\u2019s something everyone is entitled to!<\/p><p>\ud835\ude7b\ud835\ude92\ud835\ude8e\ud835\ude8f\ud835\ude9c \ud835\ude72\ud835\ude91\ud835\ude92\ud835\ude8a\ud835\ude9b\ud835\ude8a<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ik hoor vaak vanuit de praktijk dat het inzetten van etherische oli\u00ebn op de werkvloer niet van de grond komt, omdat niet het hele team hier iets mee heeft. Misschien&#8230;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":91,"featured_media":266663,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_title":"","_genesis_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2158],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-266643","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-linde-care-zorg"],"acf":[],"meta_all":{"access_roles_list":""},"meta_all_flat":{"access_roles_list":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/266643","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/91"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=266643"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/266643\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":296333,"href":"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/266643\/revisions\/296333"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/266663"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=266643"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=266643"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/degroenelinde.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=266643"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}