Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/557366
5. Compassionate and caring touch supports emotional well-being by: • Providing a pleasing way to interact with others. • Offering a means for nonverbal communication. 6. Focused touch enhances spiritual well-being, resulting in: • Being grounded in the present moment. • A greater sense of self-worth. HOW DO MASSAGE SERVICES BENEFIT OUR ORGANIZATION? Eldercare organizations are in business, too. They will want to know how massage services will improve their bottom line. Tell them that an organization that offers massage: • Is in step with consumers' increased use of massage therapy. F r e e S O A P n o t e s w i t h M a s s a g e B o o k f o r A B M P m e m b e r s : a b m p . u s / M a s s a g e b o o k 59 occupational, and speech therapy, as well as specialized care for those with Alzheimer's disease, may be available. CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY This is typically a campus setting with multiple levels of care including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Residents can remain in the same community even if their needs change. Communities provide an array of services and amenities including dining, housekeeping, recreational activities, health-care services, personal care assistance, and nursing care. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER Many organizations may not have considered massage as an ancillary service. The following questions will be on the mind of a potential employer, so be prepared to answer them. HOW DOES MASSAGE HELP OUR RESIDENTS? Not all administrators share your knowledge of the benefi ts of massage. Remember, you are the expert about how massage therapy impacts the body, mind, and spirit. 1. Massage alleviates aches and pains, resulting in: • A possible reduction in need for pain medication. • The ability to perform activities of daily living with greater comfort. 2. Massage increases circulation, contributing to: • Improved skin condition. • Decreased risk of pressure ulcers. 3. Massage provides tactile stimulation, which: • Alerts the senses. • Increases body awareness. 4. Massage induces a relaxation response, leading to: • Improved quality of sleep. • Greater ease of breathing. • Calmed agitation. • Fostering well-being without medication. • Building strong bonds between caregiver and resident. • Reduction in weight loss, pain, agitated behaviors, sleeplessness, and falls. • Increased resident and staff satisfaction. OPENING THE DOOR There are many ways you can offer your services to this population. First, I suggest becoming familiar with the various types of eldercare organizations in your community. ASSISTED LIVING The emphasis in assisted-living settings is to support mentally or physically limited persons who need help with activities of daily living, but do not need the skilled medical care provided in a nursing home. Facilities consist of private rooms or apartments, as well as common areas. These facilities provide 24-hour staffi ng, meals, housekeeping, social activities, and limited nursing services such as management of medications. Some assisted-living facilities provide specialized care for elders with Alzheimer's disease. SKILLED NURSING (NURSING HOME) People usually enter a nursing facility as a result of illness, injury, or mental or physical debility that requires 24- hour nursing care and continuous assistance with activities of daily living. Some require this level of care temporarily, and then return home. Others require permanent care. Facilities consist of semiprivate or private rooms, a common dining room, and social areas. In addition to 24-hour nursing, services include personal care, meals, psychological and spiritual support, and planned social and recreational activities. Physical, BRINGING COMFORT TO OUR AGING POPUL ATION