http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/stillness-motion The Art of Massage Therapy for Special Populations Wed, 07 May 2008 21:49:43 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en  Hello all, Millions of people in the United States find themselves caring for aging parents or partners.  They’re often the last to ask for help, but when caring for another, they are themselves among the neediest.  I know of one case that illustrates this common situation so clearly.  An 80 year old woman ... http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/stillness-motion/2008/05/07/touchcaring-for-the-caregiver/ Recently I was in Nebraska volunteering at the Rowe Sanctuary, a nature center along the Platte River where thousands of Sand Hill Cranes gather on their way to points north.  People of all ages from around the world visit the sanctuary to witness this spectacle of nature.  One day, I was given ... http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/stillness-motion/2008/04/10/can-technology-increase-quality-of-life-in-eldercare-facilities/ What Are Old People For? is the title of an interesting book by William Thomas, M.D. who explores the social significance of our elders.  One particular statement jumped out at me that I want to share with you: "A society that cultivates the ability to bring a life worth living to the ... http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/stillness-motion/2008/03/25/what-are-old-people-for/ I read something today that affirmed my belief that our shared story about the power of the human touch connects us and uplifts us all.  Marianne Williamson, in her book Everyday Grace, writes, "Spriritually, we do not exist in isolation.  ...we're like sunbeams of the same sun and waves of the same ocean."  For ... http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/stillness-motion/2008/03/01/10/ Those of us who touch the dying know what a profound experience it is-- for the one we touch, and sometimes the family, and for ourselves.  We bear witness to how our touch and presence truly makes a difference in the quality of life at life's end.  We have a story to ... http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/stillness-motion/2008/02/16/touching-the-dying-lets-share-our-stories/ 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 ... http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/stillness-motion/2008/01/29/8/  Hi All, Lola's comments reflect the question that many massage therapists ask: "How can I get paid for providing services to hospice or elders who reside in nursing homes?"  This is an important question and the answer is multi-faceted.  Over the years I have met many massage therapists who generously volunteer ... http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/stillness-motion/2008/01/18/funding-for-massage-in-eldercare-and-hospice/ In a November issue of USA Today (11/13/07) there was an article about retired Justice Sandra Day O-Conner's husband, John.  John has Alzheimer's disease and lives in a Phoenix care facility.  The article focused on the fact that John found a new love in the facility- a woman who also ... http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/stillness-motion/2008/01/04/people-with-alzheimers-disease-need-relationships/  Hi All, Over the last 6 years I have had the opportunity to see massage therapists around the U.S. successfully expand their practices to settings like long term care settings and hospice.   Some cases in point: Helen G., LMT in Portland, Oregon contracts with a senior retirement community that provides her with a ... http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/stillness-motion/2007/12/17/massage-in-eldercare-and-hospice-what-are-the-opportunities/ The last visitor to my feeder is surely well on his way along his epic journey to South America where he will spend the coming months. I am fascinated by hummingbirds—those fairy-like creatures of the bird world. When “hummers” are in my garden, my heart is joyfully uplifted and if ... http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/stillness-motion/2007/11/30/today-is-the-day-i-put-the-hummingbird-feeder-away-for-the-winter/