Why smell is so important for well-being

Smells are invisible, fleeting—yet enormously powerful. They influence our emotions, our behavior, and even our health, often without us consciously noticing. Especially in sensitive environments such as nursing homes, hospitals, or assisted living facilities, the sense of smell plays a much greater role than many people realize.

A pleasant scent can convey a sense of comfort, security, and calm—exactly what people in need of care, patients, and their families need. In this article, we explain why smell is so crucial for well-being and how care facilities can work with it specifically.

The Sense of Smell – Direct Access to Our Emotional Memory

Of all five senses, the sense of smell is most closely connected to the limbic system in the brain – the center for emotions and memories. This means that a smell is immediately evaluated emotionally, before we can even think about it.

For example: The scent of fresh baked goods can evoke memories of childhood. Lavender can remind us of vacations and instantly relax us. Conversely, unpleasant smells can trigger discomfort or even nausea – without us knowing the exact reason.

Smell in Care – Often Underestimated, But Ubiquitous

Nursing facilities and hospitals are places with many different smells: disinfectants, medications, body odors, and incontinence products characterize the air. These smells are necessary – but for many people, they seem unpleasant, sterile, or even off-putting.

Especially for:

• new residents in a care facility

• relatives on their first visit

• patients in hospital, the first impression is crucial – and smell is one of the first senses that shapes this impression.

How scents influence well-being

1. Scents can calm

Lavender, vanilla, and sandalwood have been proven to have an anxiety-relieving and relaxing effect. In care facilities, such scents can help reduce restlessness in residents with dementia or make falling asleep more pleasant.

2. Scents can activate

Citrus scents such as orange or grapefruit have an invigorating and mood-enhancing effect. They can stimulate the appetite, promote alertness, and help overcome morning fatigue—a helpful tool in day care centers or rehabilitation centers.

3. Scents can evoke memories

For people with dementia, access to memories is often limited. Scents can act as a biographical bridge—for example, the scent of rosemary, which recalls one's own kitchen, or the scent of pine needles, which evokes Christmas memories.

4. Fragrances can create a sense of belonging

A customized fragrance concept can help care facilities develop their own identity. This creates a feel-good atmosphere that stands out positively from other facilities – for residents, visitors, and employees.

Smell & Hygiene: A Balancing Act?

A common objection to fragrances in care facilities is the concern about allergies, over-emphasis, or artificial odor pollution.

This can be avoided with professional room fragrances:

• Use of natural, allergen-free fragrances

• Measured misting – subtle, not intrusive

• Individual fragrance concepts depending on the room and function

• Systems with adjustable intensity and hygiene standards

Important: The goal is not to mask unpleasant odors, but to specifically neutralize and positively influence them with room fragrance.

Conclusion: Fragrance makes the difference

A pleasant smell is often only consciously perceived when it is missing – or when it is negative. In nursing facilities, hospitals, and all forms of assisted care, a targeted fragrance concept can help improve daily interactions, reduce stress, and enhance emotional well-being.

A good indoor climate is more than just clean air—it's an invitation to feel welcome, safe, and secure. And that's exactly what care should provide.