02/06/2026
How to CEASE stress and distress in dementia: E is for Environment
We can identify or rule out the common causes of stress and distress by using the CEASE model and this can enable us to find a solution. E is for environment and there are lots of things in the environment which can cause distress. Examples include too much noise, poor lighting, lack of wayfinding guides and poor visual contrast.
This short audio clip describes the impact on a lady with dementia of adding her husband’s aftershave to a reed diffuser in the room and making small personalised changes to the environment. Another really great example of how getting to know the person and making small changes can make a huge difference to their wellbeing.
Soft furnishings & sense of smell | Right Decisions
The clip is from Practical Dementia Resources platform from the Care Inspectorate, hosted on NHS Scotland’s Right Decision Service: Practical dementia resources | Right Decisions. It has some fantastic examples of ways in which care staff have prevented or reduced stress and distress in the people living with dementia that they support. It is well worth a look!
https://www.rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/practical-dementia-resources/environment/soft-furnishings-sense-of-smell/
