Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/943527
Lifted Up by Massage Massage is not only salve for the body, it's salve for the soul. I've been seeing 90-year-old "Leah" for the last four years. She is frail, uses a wheelchair, has Parkinson's, and has dealt with depression and anxiety her whole life. She can be gruff, irritable, and hard to please. At the suggestion of her psychotherapist, Leah had her first massage at 86. Her daughter, the primary caregiver, was extremely doubtful. She was frustrated and had given up on trying anything new, because nothing seemed to work. But Leah's psychotherapist had an intuitive hunch that massage might work. And it did. It was life-changing. Leah suddenly began smiling, her face softened, her anxiety was eased. Though her depression has never gone away entirely, massage helped lift it. A little window of joy and light suddenly opened and passed through her during and shortly after the massage sessions. She even began greeting her neighbors, something she had not done before. I love to see her smile and hear her tell me how much more at peace she feels, and how the massage seems to be the only thing to really help her with her anxiety. Though the change is not permanent, it is a positive change in the right direction, even if for a short while. THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE FOR FRAIL ELDERS For this population of clients, some of the benefits of massage are especially relevant. Massage has the potential to: • Lessen the use of certain medications • Ease the discomfort of bedsores caused by sitting or lying in one position for an extended time • Ease pain and anxiety • Encourage overall well-being • Help with stiff, sore muscles • Improve flexibility • Relieve constipation • Help alleviate symptoms of depression HONORING THE JOYS AND CHALLENGES IN ELDER CARE My practice focuses on working with frail elders, most of whom are living in skilled nursing or assisted- living communities, Alzheimer's units, or in board-and-care homes. Many of my clients have Parkinson's; some have Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Most suffer from depression, loneliness, and a lack of connection in their lives. Working with frail elders nearing the end of life has been one of the most rewarding career paths I could have chosen. However, it isn't for everyone. It certainly has its challenges, but it also has its joys. Let's explore both. THE JOYS I witness small miracles every day. I see how someone who is depressed, lonely, or agitated can suddenly transform through healing touch, and feel more peace and joy. It is palpable in the expression on their face, their eyes, their mannerisms, the tone of their voice, and the warm smile that suddenly appears. I see how someone who is in bed 24-7 suddenly finds some relief and comfort through a tender caring touch and who expresses it with a glow and sparkle, and the words, "If you only knew how much you helped me—thank you." I see someone who has Alzheimer's suddenly feel a sense of connection and a moment of clarity. These are moments of grace that I live for each day. They give me great hope and joy. These clients touch me as much as I touch them. I learn from them about what it means to be a better human being—kinder, more compassionate. I learn patience and endurance. I learn about the human condition, the frailties of the aging body and illness, about death and dying—and ultimately about living with passion and purpose. THE CHALLENGES To be honest, not all days are great, and some are more trying than others. In skilled nursing facilities, there is loss and death. Sometimes clients are not feeling well enough to receive a massage, or they forget they had an appointment with me. I have worked with clients with Alzheimer's who were so agitated that they were not able to sit still for even a moment; every time I got them to sit in a chair, they popped up again to wander around anywhere and everywhere away from me. I have worked with bed-bound clients whose roommates yelled incessantly, or who had their television turned up to the highest volume, or whose family members were visiting and talking loudly. There are many factors that sometimes are out of our hands to control or change and that may interfere with the kind of healing space you are trying to create. 60 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k m a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 1 8