(As seen in Aging Arkansas, June, 2006)

Massage:

Bringing Comfort to Hospice Patients & Caregivers

 by Candace S. Millwood, Arkansas Hospice Media Marketing Specialist

For the terminally ill and dying, hospice is a very special way of providing comprehensive health care to patients and their families. Hospice care assures comfort when a medical cure is no longer possible. A new component of this care that is growing in popularity in hospices throughout the country is massage therapy. This growth, in part, is due to the great comfort and relaxation it brings to patients.

Massage is one of those curious human interactions that differs in its effect, depending on the intent in which it is performed and received. One of the reasons touch seems so powerful is based on the recognition that tactile experiences are the first sensations which greet us at birth and ultimately the last perceptions to leave us when we die.

During the late stages of her illness, Jacquie Carter, a patient with Arkansas Hospice, often told one of her close friends, Kim Clatworthy, how lonely she felt and how sad it was never to be touched. In response to her isolation, this special friend arranged a spa day for Carter, including a massage, makeover, limousine service … even a night out on the town. “Today, people acted like I was normal, like I didn’t have a terminal illness,” Carter said.

About three weeks before Carter’s death, Clatworthy talked with her about the fun they had on the spa day. Still, she told Clatworthy she “wasn’t ready to die.” It was at that moment Clatworthy made a promise to her, “If you’ll just get peace with this, I’ll help other people in your name when you’re gone.”

And the idea for the Arkansas Hospice Angels Jacquie Carter Spa Day was born.

The Arkansas Hospice Angels serve terminally-ill patients of Arkansas Hospice and their caregivers. Consistent with the hospice philosophy, this group of volunteers brings loving, caring support and pampering services – including massage – at a time when it is needed most.

Patients can choose from a menu of services based on his or her personal needs and physical ability to participate. For some, this might be a full-body massage. If the patient is particularly frail, though, it may just be a hand or foot massage.

Caregivers, too, require consideration for the time and energy they invest in the care of their sick loved one. Many times, the person in the home provides around-the-clock, hands-on attention. In many cases, family members may hesitate to take advantage of the offer of massage, believing that all consideration should be focused on the patient. However, massage applied to the caregiver can help decrease stress in the home.

Although massage will not cure a terminal illness, it often brings patients much-welcomed physical and psychological relief from their disease, even if only for a short while. With help from the Angels, massage and other forms of pampering brings a little comfort, restores the pride and adds a little touch of everyday life to those who are dying.

For more information on how you can become an Arkansas Hospice Angel or if you know of a spa that would like to participate, please contact Kim Clatworthy, Arkansas Hospice Angels founder, at 501-748-3361.