Posted under General & Marketing Massage for Special Populations & Massage for Elders
Last night I saw the excellent movie The Savages starring Laura Linney and Philip Seymore Hoffman. The theme of the film is how these adult children handle care for their father who has dementia and physical debilitation. The dynamics of this family were portrayed with intensity and sensitivity. There was a realness to this movie: the stunned reactions of the “children” who are wrestling with trying to do the right thing for their father; the process of finding a care facility for him; the portrayal of the staff in the facility. But the thing that really moved me was how no one touched the father as he clearly grieved for his losses and struggled to make sense of his new world. I kept thinking “if I were there, I would at least reach out and take his hand.” But nobody did. Then I realized that this family’s history and old wounds simply got in the way of reaching out and touching him. I could have touched him with compassion and an open heart because I didn’t have the baggage of the past. And through my presence and my touch, his family could have offered him love. For me, that is the essence of my work.
Be Well,
Ann
Joyce on 01 Feb 2008 at 4:03 pm #
Your dedication and empathy toward the elderly and frail is shouted out through your written words. As an educator, I hope you are creating awareness by placing your articles in publications that reach the general public as well as the professionals who work in your arena. Free publicity in newspapers would be a great way to promote what you
can accomplish for individuals and families.
I am thoroughly impressed and admire what you are doing!
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Robert on 04 Feb 2008 at 12:57 am #
Thanks, Ann.
I believe that giving compassion in all forms is the least any professional can do. Sadly there are often no “cures” for Alzheimer’s or other chronic diseases. So, frequently compassion is also, the MOST that we can do/give.
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rob on 25 Feb 2008 at 7:30 pm #
Hi,
I deeply agree with the comment that most of the time compassion is both the most and least we can for each other. I do not believe that there really are “cures.” There is only healing.
Also, I’ve been putting off seeing the “Savages” movie. I won’t wait much longer.
Thank you,
Rob
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