The Power of Touch in Senior Care
17
160
Touch is important for everyone; it is an essential part of our well-being. For the elderly, the healing power of human touch cannot be underestimated. Unfortunately, many seniors do not experience the simple act of touch on a daily basis.
In this article we cover:
- The Elderly Need Regular Touch
- 10 Amazing Benefits of Human Touch
- How to Harness the Power of Touch
- Things to Remember When Hugging Someone
- Massage and the Elderly
Members-Only
The Power of Touch in Senior Care
Available with Full Membership. Unlock to access:
12 months of unlimited access - no recurring monthly fees
Thousands of ready-to-use activities - updated every week
Custom activity calendars and planning tools
Editable templates
Active professional member forum
Full Membership - $74.95 USD per year
No auto-renewals · 30-day money-back guarantee
Comments
17
Log In
to comment
Terrific article! I'm not in a professional setting. I am a full time caregiver for a family member who is blind. I am however, a professional massage therapist. I found this site looking for engaging activities, both mental and physical. Touch applies to both AND perhaps most important -the ❤️.
I've worked with elderly and clients with terminal diagnoses, who are also often missing "touch. Families sometimes withdraw as if protecting themselves. I had a cancer patient explain that her adult child must think she was contagious.
Hint: Do consider of skin movement and possible bruising, moreso when on blood thinners. This is when touch or j'ust light enough to apply lotion' is great. Another hint is the speed of massage. Slow and long strokes are more calming.
Thanks to GC I get to share games etc with several homebound seniors
I am blessed both by this site and those sharing your hearts!
Thank you so very much for your feedback Felecia. All the best! x
I have a couple of afternoons dedicated for hand massage and manicure which I have found to be very successful in calming residents who are aggravated and tired. I will offer my two hands and give them the option of accepting me and they do. Some relaxation music and a hand rub keep them connected as well as keep them calm for a long time. I have the care managers join in this beautiful ritual ; some do the manicure..
This is lovely Pat, how wonderful that you involve the care managers.
I think touch may help stimulate an elder's brain as well
HI all, I find all the tips and feedback very rewarding and humble. I will try the hand massage and ask my colleague to do the nail polish. I look forward to reading more ideas that would be helpful at my community centre in July.
Thank you so much for your feedback Antonella, it means so much to us. x
Yes !!!
I totally believe in a precious touch.... I am able to experience the energies we exchange with that gentle touch and your voice that give them the safety and assurance they need. Well, I cannot imagine how a very aggressive resident who is expressing her feelings with anger can be calmed with your touch and your voice. I will sing a song and I can see an instant transformation..... I love this job...
Thanks for your comment Pat. Yes, music is so powerful too!
Love this article
Thank you Jean x
I have add to my schedulle this program and my residents love it
so good to hear x
More to learn. Very helpful your article on the power of touch. I am activity leader in a nursing home. I love to give a hugs and i do manicure time , I did some of your suggestions of your article . a smile of the elderly person it makes my day. Thank You!
Thank you so much Catalina, your residents are lucky to have you!
I found your article on the power of touch excellent. It’s possible to gain their trust by holding a hand, a smile means everything to a elderly person . Sometimes it is only touch remains as a form of communication. I have been putting your articles eg “growing old “ on the board in my workplace where I am activities coordinator-
Thank you so much for your feedback Gloria and for taking the time to write to us, this is so wonderful to hear x