Physical contact is a human need and an aspect that tends to be neglected in older adults. From the moment we are born until we die , we need caresses , hugs and physical contact to maintain a state of emotional and physical well-being. That is why massage is so important, or rather the effects produced by massage that go beyond relaxing the mind and body. Massages can lead to:
- Stimulation of the immune system;
- Decreased heart rate;
- Decreased blood pressure;
- Increased flexibility of the joints;
- Improved circulation ;
- Sensation of well-being and decreased anxiety;
- Increased psychosocial well-being and self-esteem; and
- Decreased feelings of isolation and helplessness, among others.
In the midst of the heavy tasks that a caregiver takes on, taking a few minutes to give a hand 출장마사지 can be beneficial to both of you. If you care for another person, you might feel or achieve:
A feeling of satisfaction and deeper meaning of your responsibility to care for someone;
A form of non-verbal communication with the one you care for;
The ability to persuade the person you care for to carry out their personal hygiene and recreation activities;
- Acquire a kind of “tool” to prevent or reduce disruptive behavior ; and
- Decreased feeling of helplessness in the face of multiple demands.
- Hand massage as an instrument of care
Touching hands is a familiar gesture that is generally accepted by people, and especially by older adults receiving care from another person. The following five-minute technique can become a very useful tool in the care of another person with dementia or cognitive changes. To start, wash your hands and apply a small amount of baby oil or hypoallergenic hand cream to your hands. Then you can follow the following sequence:
- Take the hand of the person who will receive the massage and look into their eyes. This eye contact will allow you to connect with him or her and make them feel like they are the center of attention.
- Take your fingers one by one and apply pressure by squeezing each one gently from the base to the tip. Periodically stop to apply pressure in a circular motion.
- When you’re done massaging each finger, turn the other person’s hand over and apply pressure with your thumb in very small circles in the palm of their hand.
- Make sure to make these circles on each soft, cushioned part of your palm.
- Switch hands and repeat the same sequence while continuing to make eye contact as much as possible, especially if the person you care for is living with dementia or verbal communication impairments.
- End the massage by thanking the recipient while taking their hands in yours and maintaining eye contact.
- Wash your hands again.
Before giving a hand massage, take these precautions
You should be very careful when giving a hand massage if the person has any of the following conditions:
Dry and very thin skin;
Pain when applying pressure to the finger or wrist joints;
Limited or lack of mobility of the joints. History of osteoporosis.
It’s best not to give a hand massage (without a health professional’s approval to do so) if you have one of the following health problems:
- Strong pain when you apply pressure;
- Strong pain when the person moves or uses the hands;
- Inflammation;
- bruises or bruises; or
- Cuts or scrapes of the skin.
- hand self-massage