Imagine improving dementia care, reducing staff burnout, and enriching seniors’ lives—all through the power of enhanced sensory stimulation. At Smelling Pink, our Multi Sensory Stimulation Therapy (MSST) program delivers meaningful results by combining scent, colour, and emotional memory, especially for seniors living with dementia. Backed by science and supported by funding such as Ontario’s VS-ONT Resident Wellness Fund, this proven yet under-utilized method is now more accessible than ever.

Table of Contents

1. What is Multi Sensory Stimulation Therapy?
2. The Science Behind Scent and Dementia
3. Smelling Pink’s Approach to MSST
4. Cost Savings and Staffing Impact
5. Webinar: Discover the Power of Scent and Colour
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. Get Started Today
8. Related Services
9. About the Practitioner

What is Multi Sensory Stimulation Therapy?

Multi Sensory Stimulation Therapy (MSST) is the strategic use of sensory tools—including scent, light, colour, sound, and texture—to support cognitive and emotional well-being in seniors. Although the practice has existed since the 1970s, it remains significantly under-utilized in long-term care, despite its effectiveness and eligibility for public funding under Ontario’s VS-ONT Resident Wellness Fund.

Why It’s Needed in Long-Term Care

• Supports responsive behaviours in Behavioural Support Units (BSUs)
• Enhances person-centred care
• Reduces agitation, sundowning, and confusion
• Acknowledged under capital improvement and staff education initiatives

The Science Behind Scent and Dementia

Research, including a landmark study by Scherder et al. (2005), has shown that pairing olfactory stimuli (smell) with visual or auditory cues dramatically improves:

• Recognition and memory recall in dementia patients
• Emotional connection and interpersonal communication
• Engagement with familiar and calming environments

“Residents with dementia respond more positively to familiar scents paired with imagery.” — Scherder et al.

Smelling Pink’s Approach to MSST

Our web-based Scent Therapy program is designed to help care teams safely and effectively integrate scent into daily routines. When paired with visual elements like murals (created by our partner About Murals), this therapy offers a high-impact, low-effort solution that enhances both resident care and staff workflows.

What’s Included in the Scent Therapy Program

• Four self-paced training modules (75+ minutes each)
• Professionally curated scent kits with essential oil blends
• Practical strategies for integrating scent into daily care
• Printable templates and staff documentation tools
• Mentorship and ongoing support

Why It Works

As a scent designer, I’ve spent over 30 years teaching architects and designers how to use scent in built environments. This practice, known as sensory design, is now transforming senior care spaces.

Listen to the podcast:
“What If Scent Could Impact Design” – with architect Scott Catallo

Cost Savings and Staffing Impact

A Wellness Tool with Financial Value

Scent-based MSST offers more than therapeutic value—it delivers measurable time and cost savings for overburdened caregivers and care administrators.

How It Helps:

• Reduces time needed to de-escalate responsive behaviours
• Creates calm environments—minimizing reliance on medications
• Enables group and one-on-one therapy with the same tools
• Prevents caregiver burnout by streamlining care delivery
• Fully eligible for coverage under Ontario’s Resident Wellness Fund

Webinar: Discover the Power of Scent and Colour

On July 29th, we partnered with Adrienne Scanlan from About Murals to co-host a webinar showcasing how scent and visual design can transform care environments.

Replay available now on our YouTube channels:

• @aboutmurals
• @smellingpink

Topics Covered:

• How scent stimulates emotional memory
• Using murals to enhance recognition and comfort
• Real-time solutions for care teams
• Proven benefits of MSST in care homes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best scent for dementia therapy?
Scents are most effective for calming, stimulating, and improving memory recall. We teach detailed scent use in our 4-module training.

Is this therapy covered by government funding?
Yes! Ontario’s VS-ONT Resident Wellness Fund supports sensory tools, mural installations, and staff training.  Most provinces offer training to support teams within long term care environments.

Do staff need certification to use the program?
No certification is required. Smelling Pink provides accessible, practical training for all staff levels.

How quickly can we expect results?
Most homes report noticeable mood and recognition improvements after 7–10 sessions. In many cases, immediate emotional responses occur within moments of exposure.

Get Started Today: Transform Care with Scent

Smelling Pink is here to support your team in delivering compassionate, efficient care—one breath at a time.

Book a Free Consultation

We offer a FREE 30-minute Zoom session with Smelling Pink and About Murals to explore:

• How MSST can be tailored to your environment
• Visual and scent customization for resident engagement
• Available funding through Ontario wellness programs

Schedule a consultation today

Order Your Scent Kit

Get started immediately with our ready-to-use kits.
Browse our shop here

Because care should feel like comfort—and comfort begins with the senses.

Related Services

• Scent Therapy and Vibration: A New Path for Alzheimer’s Care
• Reawakening the Brain: Scent Therapy for Parkinson’s Patients
• Sensory Design in Architecture and Spaces – how scent impacts emotion

About the Practitioner

Tracy Pepe is a professional scent designer, author, and founder of Smelling Pink. With over 30 years of experience, she has collaborated with healthcare professionals, architects, and designers to help people feel better through scent.

Podcast: “What If Scent Could Impact Design”
TED TALK: “How the Nose Knows”
Books: Why the Nose?, So, What’s All the Sniff About?