Touching Lives in Eldercare and Hospice

Good day,
I’ve thought some about the use of various technology and how it enhances lives of our elders. I came across a blog entry from Laurie Orlov of Aging in Place Technology

http://www.ageinplacetech.com/

Laurie brings up the value of Skype visits with elder family members and how these visits can help ease feelings of lonliness and isolation and bring families closer as well as help family members to monitor the condition of the elder. While I believe that these “Skype-visits” are a good thing for many, I do question if some families will skip the trip ‘over the river and through the woods’ to grandma’s and substitute a Skype-visit instead, actually increasing isolation. I believe there is no substitute for a real visit where a family shares in an experience; where the elder can feel and touch her grandchildren; where grown children take time to simply show up and be present. Technology will play a huge role in aging baby boomer’s lives– but let’s keep some good old fashioned visits along with it!
Be well,
Ann

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Greetings all! I’ve been exploring the issue of the safe use of essential oils for clients who are in later life stages. After years of interacting with massage therapists who wish to serve this special population, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is a need for guideance. I’ve heard many bodywork practitioners refer to using essential oils for frail persons but have little actual training or a sound foundation of knowledge from which to act. Now, I’m not an expert in aromatherapy but as a leader in the field of massage for this special population I feel it my responsibilty to base the guideance I give on evidence-based findings and from our peers who are experts in this issue. So the question is this: Under what circumstances should the use of essential oils be used with elders or those in end of life care? And what would you consider to be “best practice” for use of oils? Should we encourage a minimum standard of skills for the use of essential oils for this special population? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Enjoy the moment!
Ann

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A very happy, healthy, and abundant new year to you! Lately, I’ve been exploring the concept of how to best assess the needs of frail elders who are living with the effects of debilitating conditions. It has become very clear to me that practically all assessments in health care have the intention of identifying what problems the person is having. Assessments mostly ask the question, ” What’s wrong with you?”
Elders who have been in care settings (hospitals, nursing homes) begin to identify with this question of ‘what’s wrong with you’. I’ve noticed that over time the condition becomes more and more the identity of the person. What if we were to have more a mindset of “What happened to you”? Doesn’t that question take on a whole different energy and intention? Doesn’t it acknowledge that this is a whole individual who has endured whatever effects his or her condition has created? I’m not suggesting that we throw out our assessment processes but rather to balance the process with a holistic and compassionate view of the person. To ask “What happened to you” either outloud or silently is powerful medicine in itself. Try it and let me know if it shifts anything for you.
Wishing you grace and good fortune for 2010.
Ann

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