Helpful Tips from Hospice Massage Therapists • Use unscented lotions • Put a towel under the part of the body you are massaging to prevent lotion from getting on sheets or furniture • Body mechanics are tricky! You will need to get creative—sometimes you will need to actually get up on the bed in order to reach the person. Always ask permission and use humor to lighten the situation. • Clients tend to be cold. Keep them covered up as much as possible and don’t over dress yourself or you will be HOT. • Observe the customs of the household. For example if the family removes shoes at the door, do so as well. • When putting socks back on your client, leave room in the toe for a little wiggle room. Wash/ sanitize your lotion bottle. Using a holster is a good idea. • Know what you are touching—meaning condition of skin, lesions, medication patches, etc • Do a visual check of heels for possible skin breakdown- are heels red, blistered or “mushy” feeling (the first stage of a pressure ulcer) • Always ask if the touch or massage is OK. Be aware on non-verbal reactions. • Make notes of family member names. Pets, too. • If your client is ambulatory, wipe feet with a warm moist towel to remove extra lotion at the end of session to prevent slipping. • Be careful not to stand on oxygen lines. • Be sure to put back anything you move in the home or room. • Ask you client if there is anything you can get him/her before you leave. (Drink, another blanket, open curtain, etc. Helpful items to carry with you: • Take a small folding stool and kneepad. • A shoehorn comes in handy at times. • Carry a supply of folded paper towels to dry your hands instead of the family’s linens • Warm your hands: carry a hand warmer of some kind. • Breath mints • Small hand towel in a zip lock bag • Nail file • Hand sanitizer • Lint roller • Small clock or watch Reminders of what is Important: 1. Having a thorough knowledge of various massage techniques is great, but not necessary—use whatever skills you possess and offer them in a loving, mindful manner. 2. The most important tool is your heart. 3. Develop a foundation of knowledge. Have a good understanding of the dying process and your role within this mystery. 4. It is not your hands or lotions, but your mindset that you carry with you that is your most powerful asset. 5. Read, read, and read—whatever on the subject catches your attention. 6. Don’t be afraid to laugh! 7. Listen to your client with a non-judgmental ear. 8. This is sacred work. Even when surrounded by notes and record keeping always come back to the remembrance that this IS sacred work. 9. It’s OK not to know. It’s OK not to have answers. Your clients don’t need your advice—they need your loving attention and for you to listen. 10. Approaching this work with an open heart means that you will feel pain. That is OK. Don’t pretend it doesn’t hurt at times. Don’t be afraid to breathe in the pain and sit with it (it won’t stick like emotional glue!) Allow yourself to feel honest emotion. 11. Accept your client’s belief system. Honor his/ her spirituality. 12. It’s Ok not to like all of your clients. It’s OK not to feel a bond with each person you touch. You are only human. You will connect more deeply with some than others. 13. Trust yourself. Trust you heart and your hands to do what is best in the moment. 14. Start where you are and know that it is enough. “Most important of all—lighten up! Hospice work is joyous work!” Susan Cunningham, LMT Compassionate Touch® Practitioner
Posted on: Sun, 15 Jun 2014 16:00:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015