Comfort Touch: Massage for the Elderly and the Ill is a textbook designed to inform the caregiver who is interested in bringing the benefits of touch to a broad range of people in need. It will give the reader the confidence to practice massage in a variety of settings, including hospices, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home care. The practitioner can learn techniques that are safe and appropriate for the population for whom conventional massage may cause discomfort or even injury. It gives the reader an understanding of the physical and emotional needs of the elderly and those suffering from chronic illness and/or injury. The book is ideal for massage practitioners and students as well as nursing and allied health professionals.

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• Chapter 1 Introduction to Comfort Touch
• Chapter 2 Understanding Health, Illness, Loss and Grief
• Chapter 3 Approaching the Client
• Chapter 4 The Principles of Comfort Touch: SCRIBE
• Chapter 5 Techniques of Comfort Touch
• Chapter 6 Special Considerations in the Use of Comfort Touch
• Chapter 7 Communication and Documentation in the Healthcare System
• Chapter 8 Self-Care for the Caregiver
• Chapter 9 Developing a Comfort Touch Program: Administrative Guidelines

Appendix A Infection Control: Standard and Universal Precautions

Appendix B Integrating Aroma: Cautions and Considerations

Appendix C Recommended Resources: An Annotated List

Glossary

Index