There are several benefits massage therapy offers people with Alzheimers disease, including increase body awareness and alertness, as well as a reduction in the feelings of confusion and anxiety. You also build reassurance and trust and help calm agitation. The sense of touch is so important for this population and to maintain a sense of belonging. Knowing that you are still valued and loved. Approaching the client with respect and meeting them where they are today. This massage is gentle using compression and static hold paying great attention to skin integrity. If your loved one had been diagnosed with Alzheimers or another form of dementia the massage can assist with diminishing loneliness, anxiety, depression and help with taking the rush out of touch.
Improved Circulation
According to the Mayo Clinic, Improved circulation is one of the many health benefits of massage. Improving circulation is one of the many health benefits of massage. Improving circulation is particularly important for seniors, who often possess suboptimal circulation. This is especially true of diabetics, who frequently suffer circulation- related foot and lower extremity problems. The website AltMedicineZone.com states that massage therapy “offers improved blood circulation, which helps to prevent the complications of diabetes like leg ulcers and gangrene.” Massage therapy also significantly improves lymphatic flow, which assists toxin removal from the body. Improved blood and lymph circulation can help seniors recover more quickly from injury, and helps increase their vitality.
Decreased Muscle and Joint Stiffness
Seniors commonly experience muscle and joint aches and stiffness. Massage therapy, performed by licensed massage therapist specializing in geriatric massage, will use gentle techniques such as rubbing, tapping, rolling, pressing, and kneading, to manipulate and mobilize senior’s aching muscles, tendons, and joints according to website Old-Age-Health-Tips.com Massage therapy can also help improve seniors’ joint range of motion by reducing inflammation and pain around the joint, states the website MassageTherapy101.com. Improved range of motion often translates into improved ambulation and mobility, which can significantly improve a senior citizen’s quality of life.
Improved Outlook and Companionship
According to the website AltMedicineZone.com, massage therapy can offer seniors relief from anxiety, depression, loneliness and stress and can boost self-esteem by restoring mobility. Seniors can also benefit for the sense of camaraderie and companionship struck with their massage therapist. A massage therapist specializing in geriatric care will be particularly attune to seniors’ need for companionship, and will work closely with seniors to ensure they’re deriving the maximum benefit, both physically and psychosocially, from their treatment. The simple act of human touch can have profound effects on a seniors outlook and can stir a sense of hope that otherwise may be lacking in their lives.
Great Online Resources:
TheCaregiversVoice.com
Amtamassage.org – Benefits of Senior Massage