Massage therapy for elder residents: examining the power of touch on pain, anxiety, and strength building

Nursing Homes, Oct, 2003 by Jessica Trombley, Bruce Thomas, Pearl Mosher-Ashley

Concerns About Elder Massage Therapy and Possible Solutions

Modesty. Sensitivity is important when offering massage therapy to an elder because of the concerns and stereotypes surrounding this age group. A common assumption, for example, is that the effects of age on an elder's body would make having to undress for a full massage uncomfortable or stressful since it can be time consuming and immodest. The issue of modesty has not arisen at the Masonic Home because residents' concerns are considered. To prevent problems, the therapist at the Masonic Home waits outside of the room to give the resident plenty of time to undress and put on a hospital gown at the beginning of the session. In addition, she makes sure to leave enough changing time at the end of the treatment. Such simple considerations forge a better relationship between the therapist and the resident, and they allow the massage to progress without adding any anxiety.

Cost. At the Masonic Home, the facility has hired a therapist, so residents do not pay for individual treatments. On the other hand, residents pay privately for massage therapy at The Willows. Cost, therefore, can be a common discouragement because many insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for massage therapy. One possible solution, however, is that families could hire a massage therapist for several residents as a special gift. Finding an appropriate gift for this age group, especially those afflicted with Alzheimer's, often proves difficult. Thus, massage therapy would be a well-suited possibility. With the consent of the residents, a facility could also contact a massage-therapy school and offer the residence as a place for practice. This connection could increase students' familiarity with giving massages to the elder population.

Sensitivity to health conditions particular to the elder population. Awareness of different health conditions is necessary prior to giving a massage so the technique can be adapted to residents' needs. Some conditions to be aware of are blood clotting, vein inflammation, severe swelling, skin lesions or bruises, and abdominal aneurysm. (3) Patricia R., another resident of The Willows, waited to resume her massages after falling and spending a week in the hospital because a massage could cause clotting. Awareness of possible complications is critical for massage therapists; in elders with Alzheimer's disease, this awareness is key. The Willows' massage therapist indicates that one of the most important aspects of giving a massage is recognizing how various health conditions affect people differently and modifying a massage accordingly. For elders with Alzheimer's, the therapist may encounter resistance to massage, depending on which areas of the body can respond to the therapy.

When a therapist considers elders' unique needs, a massage can improve their physical and emotional well-being, and emotionally, a massage can become a treasured outlet for an elder. Response to massage can measure elders' decline in daily functioning over time, serving as a gauge of their physical health. Therefore, a therapist must be patient and attentive, even when the resident undresses or continues to tells stories while the therapist tries to depart (3) Such sensitivity heightens the experience for the elder and the therapist.