English Rose Suites has been using essential oils for 13 years and finds them to be remarkably effective in soothing residents and helping their bodies approach each day with less pain and stiffness.

Clairmont has researched different brands of oils throughout the years and now uses what she calls the Ferrari of oils, which are quite expensive but much more effective. She recommends providers interested in exploring this option look for 100 percent Grade A therapeutic essential oils.

The most effective essential oil she uses is lavender. “We use it for comfort and sleep,” she says, adding that its effect can be significant.

Another oil Clairmont uses frequently is called Valor—it is an infusion of the essential oils of spruce, rosewood, blue tansy, and frankincense in a base oil, such as almond oil. She uses this oil for comfort and anxiety, but also for pain and joint issues.

“We rub it into the residents’ bodies in the morning for stiffness,” she says.

Another oil, called Peace and Calming, staff rub into the bottoms of residents’ feet.

Altogether, staff use six different essential oils for their residents, and they swear by them.