When a loved one is present it’s usually the primary caregiver. I love to invite the caregiver to stay and watch what I’m doing. They get to see how I use pillows, blankets, towels and whatever else is available in the home, to prop and bolster the client to make them more comfortable. Maybe it’s a pillow under the knees. A pillow under the head or maybe under the feet. A blanket for warmth and privacy. Or towels under the arms to create an “easy chair” in the bed.
It’s my job to teach the caregiver how to provide comfort for their loved one. And, if I’m lucky, I get to show them how to provide gentle touch! Picture this. Me massaging one hand and the caregiver on the other side of the bed massaging the other hand. Then, when I leave, if the client is experiencing pain, anxiety or just needs a gentle touch, the caregiver feels confident enough to provide it. It’s likely a little bazaar that this excites me so much, but it does!
The best thing about doing a home visit is providing rest and relaxation for the client. But the second best thing is showing the caregiver how to do it when I’m gone.
Questions? Comments? Get in touch:
Susan Gee, LMT Progressive Massage Therapy
A Guide for Caregivers: How to Provide Gentle Touch for Your Loved One – video classes coming soon.