massage

Specialties Geriatric

Published

Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

I am not a certified massage therapist but have learned how beneficial its use is in LTC with agitated and demented residents....I have a fella that practically turns to putty after a few minutes of scalp massage-works way better then any med....and NO side effects..-Lotion to the hands and arms seems to be very relaxing also.Try it the next time you are dealing with a sundowner after you toilet,drink and snack them.Turn the lights down and maybe play some soft music...Let us know what works for your friends in LTC

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ktwlpn,

As a Certified Massage Therapist, I was beyond thrilled to read your post. Yes, massage is great for many LTC residents. It's really too bad that most LTC facilities don't hire a massage therapist or at least allow enough time for CNAs or nurses to do a simple 5 minute hand, foot or scalp massage. Hopefully, someday the "higher ups" will realize how important touch is to our physical and mental health! :)

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Specializes in Gerontological Nursing, Acute Rehab.

ktwlpn, excellent point! We have an RN who is also a massage therapist in my facility now....I don't know how much time she gets to do it, as she just took over the role as charge nurse. When I worked in a dementia unit, I would calm my agitated residents by getting out some lotion and giving them a hand/arm massage. It worked wonderfully! If I had the time while I was supervising, I would do 1:1 with extremely agititaed residents. A hand massage, or back massage worked wonders. For the lady residents, a manicure also worked great.

This should definitely be practiced more in LTC facilities! If only I had more time on the floor to do this often for my residents......

Thanks for sharing!

Jennifer

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:) I love massage therapy! I try to get a message every1-2 months. There was a nurse at an LTC who knew all about massage but didn't have a licensed massage license. She wanted to give the patients massages but was told by management that she couldn't. They said because she wasn't licensed they were worried about getting sued! :angryfire

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