Scenting for Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities

Over 800,000 older Americans live in assisted living facilities and another 1.5 million live in nursing homes. The population of people 65 years and older is expected to reach 78 million people by 2030, more than the number of children for the first time in US history. Because of this demographic shift and longer life expectancies, more and more seniors will end up living in retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

These long-term care facilities provide the level of care residents need. However, sometimes seniors and their families are reluctant to choose a long-term facility because of concerns about quality of life. Environmental scenting can have an immediate impact on families’ perceptions of the facility and residents’ quality of life.

Homey vs. Hospital

Families are instrumental in choosing a nursing home or assisted living facility for their loved ones. An unpleasant odor can ruin a family’s opinion of a long-term care facility right away.

In nursing homes and similar facilities, malodors can come from a variety of sources including incontinence, dumpsters, restrooms, food preparation areas and strong cleaning agents. This can make your facility seem unsanitary or overly institutional rather than the clean, home-like atmosphere prized by prospective residents and their families.

Capital Senior Living, one of the nation’s largest operators of residential communities for senior adults, uses Air Esscentials’ odor neutralizers in more than 30 facilities. The Waterford at Fort Worth community uses Royal Palm in their greeting area and hallway to create a pleasant, homey environment for visiting families, residents and staff.

Contact your Air Esscentials rep to find out how to make your long-term care facility smell great — because first impressions matter.

See also: Scenting for Seniors’ Well-Being