Touching Lives in Eldercare and Hospice

I grew up in a relatively small town in Kansas. I am a mid-west girl to the core (which I am quite proud of by the way!).  As a child I had little exposure to cultures other than my white, middle class, rural world.  My adult life has expanded my world view and I’ve had opportunities to relate to people from cultures other than my own.  Today our world is growing more culturally blended. Some see this as a challenge. I see it as an opportunity to learn from one another and see not only our differences but our shared humanity.  I came upon a piece written by Sister Barbara Sheehan called Honoring Cultural Diversity and You Accompany the Sick and the Grieving.   Sr. Sheehan offers some  guidance in caring for people of cultures other than our own.  She offers these insights:

• Take your cultural diversity temperature.  What do you think and feel about cultural diversity?
• Do a personal cultural inventory. Get to know yourself and your own attitudes and beliefs. What is your world view stemming from your own cultural roots?
• Reflect on your learned predudices. Explore the impact that stereotypes, historiacl narratives or lack or experience.
• Practice mindful listening. Listen to others with your whole being.
• Practice care-filled curiosity. Asking questions like “what is this person telling me about themselves?”

These perspectives seem like helpful touchstones for any professional caregiver today. I appreciate that  Sr. Sheehan’s guideance aligns with Compassionate Touch concepts about serving others.
Namaste (or as we say in Kansas, You take care now!)
Ann

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Hi again,

Last week I participated in the Florida State Massage Therapy Association convention in Orlando. Congratulations to those hard-working folks who organized and hosted a stellar event!  My role this year was to take part in the exhibit hall talking with therapists about serving people in eldercare and hospice.  The diversity of people in massage therapy is striking.  Believe me standing on a trade show floor for 3 days will give you a good look!  Today we have 20 year olds just starting a career; 55 year olds looking to have a new career in “retirement” ; and all ages in between.  Men and women.  Caucasian, Latino; African American; Asian.   How does this relate to serving people in eldercare and hospice?  Old age and illness knows no ethnic boundaries.  I see our long term care communities becoming more blended. The blend may change depending on what part of the country you live in.  For example in the Midwest we have more Spanish-speaking elders entering our healthcare system and nursing homes.  A facility I visited in the Northwest had many Asian residents.  A North Dakota facility had many Native American residents.  As the population of the United States becomes more diverse it is essential that care professions reflect that diversity. I’m glad to see that represented in the individuals making up the massage therapy profession.
Take care, Ann

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Hi all,
If you are reading this you have an interest in serving people in eldercare or hospice.  There are many aspects to this work. Communication skills, hands-on techniques, safety, and navigating the health care system.   As a massage therapist in this work you are a caregiver– a care professional.  You touch people at a time when their lives have taken a profound turn.  Serving others as a care professional can open your heart and the work itself becomes a spiritual practice.  This idea has been explored by many spiritual leaders from many faith traditions.  It is a universal idea that I invite you to ponder.  Sit with this question: How does your work with frail elders or people in end of life care reflect and propel you along your personal spiritual path? 

The Spiritual Care Program is one example of an effort to shine a light on how we can expand our awareness and truly serve the individuals we touch.  Even if the dying do not actively practice in a spiritual tradition, we can support them by bringing to their bedside the presence, clarity, and profound compassion generated from our daily spiritual practice–thereby creating a “sacred environment” within which they can die. Christine Longaker
Isn’t  this our true work as massage therapists who choose to serve this special population?
Blessings,
Ann

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Hello all,
Last week was the annual Forum of the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.  Once again I participated in the event as an exhibitor in an effort to forward awareness of massage therapy in hospice care.  What I want to tell you is that hospice organizations are a lot more interested in our services than ever before! In fact the very first person to visit our booth said “our competitor has massage therapy so we need to add it too!”Thank you to FHPCO for an excellent event– well done! And thank you to our Compassionate Touch Practitioners who braved the pajama party to help out with hand massage for attendees. 
I encourage you to seek out what your state’s hospice organization’s events. It is an excellent way for you to network, learn and have a little fun!
Blessings to you,
Ann

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