Elder Massage and Compassionate Touch®

Elder massage is one of those types of massage therapy that you should really feel passionate about before taking steps to practice the therapy on a regular basis.

There are a few things you should know in order to do this type of bodywork, as many skills that must be learned when working with elder massage clients and hospice care.

But, when you know the techniques required for massaging the elder population, it can be one of the most rewarding types of massage therapy you can practice.

Working with older folks, nursing homes, and hospice can be some of the most rewarding work in massage therapy. Through work with this population, therapists are introduced to people who are so appreciative of their touch and often verbally express this.

If you have a compassion for others, and enjoy older people, this type of clientele may be perfect for you and your business.

It is important for therapists to understand the need that elderly have for contact and touch, especially those in hospice care. Many are vision and hearing impaired, have Alzheimers or dementia, are depressed, immobile and/or isolated.

Speech may also be impaired and communication can be a challenge. It is with touch that therapists are able to communicate trust, caring, and love. Touch reassures elders that they have value and worth.

This DVD, Compassionate Touch Presents - Sensitive Massage:Reclaiming the Human Touch in Caregiving teaches how to massage older folks. It provides instruction for massage therapists, health professionals and caregivers of all kinds who care for elders in home or long term care facilities.

With nursing homes, assisted living communities, retirement communities, hospice programs, and hospitals all growing in their care of older folks, they may all search for massage therapy providers.

Who pays for the Massage?

More than likely, a therapist will be an independent contractor. The organization may pay, or the resident/patient will pay for the services.

Training

Compassionate Touch® is a hands-on learning CE class for therapists interested in elder care and hospice care. It teaches sensitive touch massage with communication skills to help the therapist understand later life stages.

Working with older adults can provide therapists a successful massage therapy practice and rewarding work. Massage uplifts spirits and brings many levels of healing to older people.

---

Go back to Massage Education Guide Homepage

Go back to Massage Techniques from Elder Massage