Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1488451
appreciative of life and the little things," she says. "Their gratitude and honesty really resonate with me." In addition to the fulfillment that comes from the work, Edwards says she's learned life lessons working with her elderly patients. "It has allowed me to see the good, bad, ugly, and all the in-between stages that a person may go through. It has allowed me to see how members of the family can have different perspectives about the same loved one. It has allowed me to practice my patience and compassion, my listening and understanding, and my being OK with not understanding everything. It allows me to see the circle of life in a different light. And it has allowed me the perspective to enjoy the little things. It has increased my faith tremendously." Edwards says there is power in the connection made with these patients. "Even though a person may not be able to talk to me or understand what I am saying to them, I can hold their hand, and watch their eyes L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 37 "Sitting silently together can be an extremely rewarding session for client and massage therapist alike." Handle Agitation Carefully and Respectfully One challenge many practitioners might face when working with clients who have dementia or Alzheimer's is agitation. "A lot of times agitation has an origin," Edwards says. "Sometimes it's as simple as them not being heard." She says the manner in which you approach someone with dementia, including tone, word choice, or even body language, can add to or reduce agitative behaviors in a client with dementia. With new clients, it's also wise to ask families or caregivers ahead of time about any combativeness or agitation issues so you're prepared. A GREATER PURPOSE Working with elderly clients has been profound for so many who have invested themselves with this community. For Rose, it's the lives well lived that speak to her. "I have loved working with elderly clients for so many years. I love the life stories I've heard from them, and the stories their bodies have told me when I touch them—stories of work, activity, family, life experience, physical challenges and changes, joys of being in a human body. It is humbling to work with this population, and that is one reason I have enjoyed it so much. The gratitude that has come my way is profound. And I am most grateful." After sharing an emotional connection during sessions with clients who have Alzheimer's or dementia, Castiglione says the blessings f low both ways—enveloping the therapist as well as the client. "Both can experience an elevated mood, a sense of purpose, and a general sense of comfort and contentment. You will never forget the feeling you have when, as a massage therapist, you have connected with a client who has dementia and you are equally in that moment together." For Edwards, this work has not only helped prepare her to navigate her own journey with her father who has dementia, but she says it has heightened her patience, grace, and empathy. "This population is so light up, and that's what it's about for me. The power of touch. The power of kindness. There is something so spiritual and powerful about that. I take pride in knowing that sometimes I may be one bright spot in an otherwise dark day for the families and patients. I am super proud and thankful that I was called to do that." Notes 1. Alzheimer's Association, "Facts and Figures." Accessed November 2022. www.alz.org/ alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures. 2. Ruth Werner, A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, 7th ed. (Books of Discovery, 2019): 175. 3. LeadingAge LTSS Center, "COVID-19: Stress, Challenges, and Job Resignation in Aging Services." Accessed November 2022. www. ltsscenter.org/workforce-study-pinpoints- impact-of-pandemic-stresses-on-turnover. Karrie Osborn is senior editor at Massage & Bodywork magazine.