Caregivers – professional caregivers, family members, massage therapists – are tested each time they approach the patient.
Will the patient want your care today?
Will they accept it?
Will they benefit from it?
The reality is… not all clients, at all times will accept the service we are offering. Wait… What? But you’re ready! You’ve honed your hands-on skills, you’ve practiced and you’re ready to provide rest and relaxation for this very special person.
How do you react when someone refuses your service?
Have you considered the way in which you approach them?
Humility
Honor where the client is, right now in the moment. Accept the circumstances even if you wish you could change them.
Calmness
Approach your patient with calmness, it encourages them to become calm.
Soft Voice
Use a soft voice as you introduce yourself. It quiets the space and encourages them to soften their voice, which often creates calmness.
Slow Movements
Think about the molecules in the room. Are you stirring them up with your movements? Or, are you allowing things to calm. Focus on deliberately moving slow in the space.
Acceptance
Don’t take it personally if your patient doesn’t want touch today.
Many times, you can discern the message in the way they decline massage. If it’s a “HARD NO”, or a timid, “I’m not sure about this”.
If the latter, encourage them to give it a try and say something like, “What do you think about me putting some lotion on your hands. If you don’t like it, I’ll come back another time.” If it’s a “HARD NO”, graciously thank them for their time and offer, “Maybe another time.”
The above steps allow your clients/patients to remain in control. During illness or end-of-life many things they once had control over slowly disappear. Giving them control over something simple like receiving massage, allows them to remain in control.