Posted under General & Marketing Massage for Special Populations & Massage for Elders
Hold still… do you feel it? There is a wave of change underfoot. It seems like EVERYTHING is changing– have you noticed? Most certainly theres a lot of change happening in our profession. I like to think of the changes as growing pains. A big change that we all are aware of is the aging of our population, with the fastest growing segment being 85 yrs and over. Lately I’ve been exploring this question: With so many elders emerging in the United States — are massage schools acknowledging this as an emerging market for our profession? After a little investigating it seems that the answer is mixed. The emphasis schools place on massage for those in later life stages ranges from simply showing a video (quite possibly outdated); to a few hours and visiting a local nursing home; to none at all. While I know there is value in giving massage students a taste of many different approaches I believe what is being overlooked is how important this special population is, and will be, to a successful career.
I want all massage therapists to succeed and have the career dreamed of when they decided to pursue massage school. I think it’s the responsibilty of schools to prepare students in skill sets that are in step with current societal trends and needs to give their graduates a fair shake at success. If more emphasis was placed on the growing need of an aging population, I think more massage therapists might feel a little more confident in reaching out to those potential clients. At the very least, students would understand that serving this special populationis a viable choice.
I’d like ask a favor of you. If any of what I’ve said resonates with you, join me in the conversation with our massage schools. Let them know this is important! If massage schools put just a little more emphasis on this special population we, as a profession, will be there to answer the needs of millions.
Best regards,
Ann
Rob West on 06 Mar 2009 at 12:19 am #
I feel that the massage school I attended really gave me the tools to succeed. It really was a top-notch experience.
Irene Smith on 09 Mar 2009 at 6:50 pm #
Funny, although the topic is different my latest blog post is in tune with this one. I too believe the schools are behind in what the social needs are. As with geriatric massage, hospice massage is being called a new field. This is just not true.
Hospice massage was introduced in 1978 in the Boulder County Hospice by Barbara Kalahan RN, and I brought it to attention beginning in 1982. I have had a massage practice in hospice care since 1989. People call it new because they don”t hear that it is a viable part of the hands on professions in their training institutions.
Many schools seem to be too inexperienced or afraid to prepare the student to practice in the real world. The truth is ,our world is aging, ill and traumatized. These states of being are approached in continuing education when this is our core society at this time.
To prepare the student to reach these populations however the student needs personal input , support and time to process the emotional component involved in this depth of reality. The new corporate school model does not offer personal style training . The new classroom is fast, and full with no permission for personal reflextion.
So, although I agree with your entry on getting the schools to offer more training in approaching these populations, it’s a multi level dilemma .
Blessings Irene Smith http://www.everflowing.org
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Virginia on 19 Mar 2009 at 11:09 am #
I personally feel the need is there and no our schools are not completely preparing students to enter into this field. I’m a licensed massage thereapist and at the moment I am trying to find training in the area of elderly and hospice care close in the area of Tennessee where I live. At the moment, I will have to travel to Missouri, Virginia or other places to get the certification I need.
Ann Hutchins on 10 Apr 2009 at 12:58 pm #
Hi Irene,
Thank you for letting the massage community know that hospice has been around for while. I feel, however, that it also depends on the geographic location- Colorado has always been one of the leaders in holistic modalities. I live in the Northeast and the population here are still very resistant to “alternative” treatments, although it is starting to change. I am looking to develop a protocal/procedure for massage/compassionate touch to be used in long term care facilities and free standing hospices. Is there any information/present policies/procedures you have in place that I could learn from. I would certainly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Ann
Irene smith on 08 May 2009 at 4:18 pm #
Ann
Thank you for your comment. please go to my website and click on educational resources. You will find 2 resources that will give you loads of info. The program model and training manual.
Blessings irene smith