Room fragrance & allergies in elderly care

A pleasant scent creates atmosphere. This doesn't just apply to hotels or retail spaces – targeted room fragrance can also have a noticeable effect in care facilities. It supports emotional well-being, reduces unpleasant odors, and gives residents and visitors a sense of cleanliness and security. But especially in the sensitive environment of elderly care, an important question repeatedly arises: How safe is it? Can scents pose a health risk – for example, for allergy sufferers or people with respiratory diseases?

When scents cause concern

Many people associate scent with a sense of well-being – others, however, with insecurity. In nursing facilities, we often hear concerns like: "What if a resident is allergic to the scent?" "Can room fragrance cause headaches or irritation in older people?"

Such questions are understandable. After all, we work with people whose health and well-being are our top priority – often with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, or impaired perception. Therefore, it is important to take a close look and distinguish between justified caution and unfounded concern.

Allergies from room fragrance? A common misconception

The fear of allergic reactions from room fragrance is widespread – but often misunderstood. In fact, most fragrance allergies arise from direct skin contact, for example from perfumes, creams, or cosmetics. These so-called contact allergies manifest themselves in the form of rashes, itching, or eczema – but not from simply inhaling a room fragrance.

With professional fragrance systems, such as those we use in care facilities, there is no skin contact. The fragrance is finely dispersed in the air using modern cold misting technology – leaving no residue on skin, clothing, or surfaces. The fragrance concentration is very low, significantly lower than that of perfume or room spray, for example. This means the risk of an allergic reaction is extremely low – even in sensitive individuals or those with underlying health conditions.

Quality is key: Responsible use of tested fragrances

Safety is not only dependent on technology, but above all on the quality of the fragrances used. Therefore, we only use fragrances that comply with the international safety standards of the IFRA (International Fragrance Association). This organization establishes globally recognized guidelines that ensure that only ingredients that are safe for health are used – especially in the sensitive area of ​​indoor air.

Each of our fragrances is carefully tested for compatibility, potential irritants, and environmental impact. This ensures that the indoor air not only smells pleasant, but also meets the health requirements of care facilities. We only use fragrance compositions that have been specifically developed and approved for permanent indoor use.

Education instead of uncertainty

Many prejudices about indoor fragrances arise from a lack of information – or from negative experiences with cheap products. That's why we place particular emphasis on transparency and communication. We openly explain which fragrances are used and how the fragrance works. We take the time to provide individual consultations in each facility. This allows home managers, care teams, and relatives to understand from the outset how room fragrances work – and why they are safe in a controlled setting.

Another advantage: We offer on-site testing. The fragrance system can be installed as a trial in a selected area of ​​the facility. We closely observe how residents react, whether the intensity is appropriate, and whether the selected fragrance matches the atmosphere of the rooms. This builds trust and allows us to make informed decisions together with those involved.

Consideration of Special Needs

Of course, there are always special cases in which we respond individually. For example, in areas with particularly sensitive residents – for example, those with respiratory diseases such as COPD or asthma – extremely subtle fragrance profiles can be used, or fragrances can be omitted altogether. Dining areas are also generally not scented to avoid affecting the sense of taste. In employee break rooms, a relaxing or refreshing fragrance can be used specifically to reduce stress.

Conclusion: Fragrance in elderly care is safe – when implemented professionally

Professional room fragrance is not a risk, but a benefit – provided it is implemented with care, experience, and high-quality fragrances. In care facilities, a pleasant scent not only helps mask unpleasant odors, but also promotes well-being, orientation, and quality of life.

We focus on tested quality, transparent communication, and individualized advice. Because our goal is clear: People in elderly care should feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for – including with what they smell.