When you’re a patient or caregiver, anxious is almost your middle name. Illness and injury make us all anxious. The diagnosis, the treatment, the unknown, or the reality of what’s happening right now, in the moment.
I recently watched a short video clip on Facebook of a young girl, probably 7 or 8 who just woke up from a serious illness and long stay in ICU. She was overcome with emotion that she was going to live. Her mom and dad were trying to console her and assure her all would be well. Dad was trying to hug her as she lay in the hospital bed connected to IV’s, etc. He was brushing her hair out of her face and talking to her. Mom was doing the same. As I watched I wanted to be there to simply put my hands on her legs or feet. Gently, place my hands on top of the blanket to provide stability, calmness, warmth, assurance.
Why? Appropriate touch is VERY Powerful.
It provides a sense of security. You’re telling the person you’re touching, “I’m here for you”.
Will you give it a try?
Here are two very simple holds you can do at any time to provide some calmness:
1. Hold a Hand: Pull a chair up beside them. Place one of your hands under patient’s hand and your other hand on top. Gently and intentionally hold the patient’s hand for a few minutes. Allow the warmth of your hand to penetrate the hand you’re holding. When it feels right, (3-5 minutes) move your chair to the other side and repeat. Notice any change for the patient… and for you.
2. Hold the feet: Pull a chair up along the end of the bed. Make sure the covers aren’t too tight around the feet. If they are, adjust them or remove them and place your hands on the feet. Gently and intentionally hold them for a few minutes. Again, notice any change for the patient… and for you.
Here’s what one student had to say:
“Truly appreciate your emphasis on touch. And I did what you said and held a hand while we talked and hugged for a longer time. This was with 3 different people–1 in the hospital. As you said, the gestures were definitely well received. So, I am grateful for your sharing your knowledge and experience.”
Questions? Comments? Please get in touch, we’d LOVE to hear from you!
