Massage and Compassionate Touch in Dementia Care - Online Inservice
The purpose of this course is to introduce nurses aides in eldercare or hospice and massage therapists to the benefits and practical application of skilled touch as a non-pharmacological, non-invasive, and cost-effective approach in managing special needs and challenging behaviors associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
- Differentiate Compassionate Touch® from other forms of touch therapy.
- Identify caregiver challenges associated with care of elders with mid-stage of Alzheimer’s disease
- Define agitated behaviors and identify possible causes.
- Recognize the significance of the human touch in caregiving.
- Relate the benefits of skilled touch related to dementia care.
- Identify the general guidelines of using skilled touch with persons with dementia.
- Simulate a hand massage protocol.
Curriculum
Chapter 1: Introduction to Compassionate Touch
- Define Compassionate Touch®
- Compare Compassionate Touch® to other touch therapies
Chapter 2: Caregiver Challenges in Dementia Care
- Common Caregiver Challenges
- Mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease characteristics
- Agitation
Chapter 3: The Human Touch in Caregiving
- Types of touch
- Touch deprivation
Chapter 4: Benefits of Massage and Compassionate Touch
- Physical benefits
- Psycho-social benefits
- Spiritual benefits
Chapter 5: Research Findings About Massage and Dementia Care
Chapter 6: Touch Session Guidelines
- Location
- Permission and initiating a session
- Length of session
- Clothing
- Precautions
Chapter 7: Hand Massage Protocol
- Touch quality and intention
- Components of a session
- Hand massage technique instruction
Chapter 8: Case Scenario
Chapter 9: Resources
Chapter 10: References
Price: $20.00
Contact Hours: 2
Course Author
Ann Catlin
Course Accreditation
Provider approved by the California Department of Public Health, Nurse Aide Certification (NAC) #: 7046. This document must be retained by the certified nurse assistant for a period of four years after the course completion. Provider approved by the Florida Board of Nursing-Certified Nursing Assistants, CE Broker Provider #: 50-13256.