Physical touch is
a sensation that human beings crave from birth. Infants cuddle their mothers,
children hug their parents and friends and family members regularly embrace to
provide a sense of security and closeness. Even a kind touch on the shoulder or
a gentle hold of a hand helps people feel more connected and less lonely.
Senior citizen’s living in retirement communities are especially receptive to
the benefits of human interaction and touch.
The Secret Touch
Research
has suggested that providing touch-therapy to elderly residents, in particular
those suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia, can have a drastic, positive effect
on their mood, demeanor and health. Touch and massage therapy are some of the
oldest non-invasive therapies in the world and generally focuses on using human touch along with
calming essential oils to
provide pressure and stimulation to muscles in the body. In the book, Care
Through Touch, the author says that “touch is a natural and therapeutic way
of being with the elderly . . . touch and its life-enhancing benefits are too
frequently denied the elderly in our culture."
Social & Physical Healing
Senior communities can often create a
sense of isolation or loneliness for residents. Through touch therapy
practices, experts and properly trained family members can create a better,
more full life for individuals in the senior community. Regular human contact
from family members, friends and peers can help maintain a positive, connected
mindset for seniors. Aside from the obvious social benefits, the practice of
touch therapy can create an immense improvement in seniors’ overall health. Massage and touch therapy has been reported to:
- Relieve sore muscles -Help with arthritic pain -Improve
circulation -Enhance digestive and respiratory system functionality -Improve
circulation -Stimulate the nervous system -Help normalize appetite, sleep, and
mood -Speed up postoperative recovery time.
Join Us
At The Scottish Home, we strive to
provide a sense of living for our residents resembling that of a warm and
welcoming home. We believe that touch therapy and massage can provide
miraculous benefits to our residents which is why we are hosting a “Hand
Massage Touch Therapy Workshop” for those curious about proper technique and
its benefits for seniors. The session is $55 and attendees will receive a
workbook, certificate of completion and a gift of essential oils. Learn more by
viewing the event on Facebook or visit
our site to learn more about senior
living options at The Scottish Home.
