Massage Therapy For Our Loved Ones. The Power of touch!

The Power Of Touch...

There is a light at the end of the tunnel on the journey of demementia!

How nice would it be if all families could say that they had no resentments? How many of us can say that we have led a drama free family life? It would be nice to think everyone could breeze through life without drama. But I doubt this is reality!

If at all possible try to be conscious of your loved ones feelings.Can you remember some of your loved ones favorite activities? There may be something’s you both enjoyed doing together. Dealing with dementia has many challenges yet we can also find many rewards.

It might be difficult for those of us whom have had family interactions that were not always ideal to make the transition into caring for a loved one with dementia. Letting go of what we have no control over and focusing on our current situation can lessen stress. If we have a bond with our loved one that goes beyond the difficulties of the past, we have something to build on.

When we stay in the moment and look at what is before us as we travel down the road of dementia with forgiveness and respect we can create a positive experience with our loved ones.It may seem the person with dementia is out of it. However, if they sense feelings of resentment we may be met with aggression and resistance.  They still have feelings...

Anxiety can cause our loved ones feelings of being disoriented and confused. Imagine the frustration you would feel if you were unable to complete basic tasks. An art full approach to our loved ones needs can make the journey through dementia a healing experience for both the caregiver and our loved ones.

Family traditions that are still within the range of your loved ones abilities such as  watching a favorite movie or listening to short stories are both good ways to stimulate the mind. We spend many hours caring for our loved ones. Why not make them enjoyable?

You could also try encouraging your loved one to recall moments from their past that they are particularly proud of. Creating a bond while going through old family photos and reminiscing are both good ways to have a healing experience.This can be a time that can bring our families closer together. We can create a time for healing and closure. When we come to the end of our journey as caregivers we may find peace in the assurance that we made a daily commitment to comforting our loved ones in their time of need.

 We have the power to take a bad situation and make it good. Yes there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We just have to look for it!

How Can Caregivers Create A better Experience For Their loved ones?

Adjusting to the personality changes caused by dementia can seem quite daunting at times. Learning better ways to communicate can make all the difference. The way we manage our stress is crucial to the quality of our relationships with our loved ones'.
 Caring for a loved one with dementia poses many different challenges for the families and caregivers. Their ability to think clearly gradually diminishes. Communicating with others and caring for themselves becomes very difficult. Developing the skills necessary to make life more manageable is attainable when we join together, educate ourselves and share information.

Ten ways to a better experience as a caregiver.

1. stay positive, the nature of your body language can set the tone for the way your loved one responds to you. A smiling face can ease tension. Speaking in a pleasant manor and gentle physical contact will demonstrate how much you care.
2. When speaking to your loved one maintains eye contact by lowering yourself to their level if they happen to be seated. Limit distractions and speak directly to them.
3. Be concise and measured. Using short sentences and simple words. When we lower our voices we come across less intimidating and it is easier for our loved one to remain engaged in what we are saying.
4. Keep questions simple and avoid open ended questions.
5. Kindness matters! Learn to take cues by watching and waiting. Every action has a reaction... (read the signs).
6. Avoid overwhelming activities. Breaking things down into small steps aids in making goals achievable. Praise will give your loved one a sense of accomplishment. Most of all, if they are struggling assist them by showing them.
7. When you find them stuck on a certain topic (and this will happen). Redirect them with something pleasurable. (food, a short walk outdoors, listening to music).
8. Acknowledging their emotions with compassion and understanding will reassure them that they are alright.
9. Reminiscing is rewarding for everyone. In my case my Mom remembers the past much more than she does the present. For me it’s a good trade off. Listening to her stories of the good old days is like opening a new treasure box every time.
10. Having a sense of humor changes your whole perspective... Laugh, be good to them and yourself.

Credits and Recommended reading : Caring for a person with memory loss and confusion; an easy guide for caregivers, (2002), Journeyworks Publishing, Santa Cruz, CA, (800) 775-1998.

http://www.amazon.com/Caring-Person-Memory-Loss-Confusion/dp/156885059X

Bathing Without a Battle , by Ann Louise Barrick, Joanne Rader, Beverly Hoeffer and Philip Sloane, (2002), Springer Publishing, (877) 687-7476.

Here's what scientists are now saying about music and its cognitive benefits...

We know music can do wonders for the soul... Here's what scientists are now saying about music and its cognitive benefits...
How many of us can hear a song we haven't heard in over a decade, and recount every word? However, on the contrary, we can lose our keys daily or forget what we wanted to do only moments after walking into a room. How many times have you had a song stuck in your head all day?

 According to a recent study by the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function at Beth Abraham Family of Health Services in New York.  Researchers have found a strong connection between the human brain's auditory cortex and its limbic system where emotions are processed. "This biological link makes it possible for sound to be processed almost immediately by the areas of the brain that are associated with long-term memory and the emotions".

Music is one of the only activities in life that engages all neurological functions on both sides of the brain...
After introducing a different kind of dementia therapy involving music, Concetta Tomaino, DA, a certified music therapist and director of the Institute said, "Why it's so positive is that we process music with almost every part of our brain". She says, “Music that has personal significance to someone or is connected with historical events is a strong stimulus to engage responses in people. The responses are evident even in the late stages of dementia".

In addition, recent research by Brenda Hanna-Pladdy, assistant professor of neurology at Emory University suggests the cognitive benefits of instrumental training can last a lifetime. The promising study suggested that playing music could possibly help prevent dementia. Her theory being that when people have had musical instrumental training the experience provides cognitive benefits that have an everlasting effect on a person's life. Her studies were published in 2011 in the Journal Of Neuropsychology.


Caregivers of patients with dementia are faced with different challenges. From dealing with painful emotions, including: anger, guilt and remorse.Music may become an integral part of your daily routine that can be a positive experience for both the caregiver and your loved one.

www.musictherapy.org
findMT@musictherapy.org