Hospice care is designed to support dying at home, a wish that is expressed by a vast majority of people. Because our work is to meet clients where they are, this means providing massage in home settings – houses, condos, apartments, and trailers. These environments are varied and unpredictable, requiring flexibility, resourcefulness, and a spirit of adventure. Personally, we love field work. Here’s why.
Spending time in someone’s home is an intimate experience. We learn things about people through their photographs, books, choices of art, and other objects that bring them comfort. We get a sense of who they are and what their lives were like before they got sick. We may see evidence of sports or musical instruments they played. We experience their pets, their families, and how (and where) they prefer to spend their time.
There can be challenges in field work, of course. Small, crowded spaces. Long hours on the road, sometimes in inclement weather. Wear-and-tear on our cars. The challenge of restroom breaks, hand hygiene, and lunch on the road. And dealing with caregivers under stress. Here are a few tips to enhance the experience:
1. Invest in a small, portable stool that can be carried into tight spaces. The stool will need to be cleaned with a sanitizing wipe between patients.
2. Many people request that shoes not be worn inside the home. Consider carrying disposable shoe covers. Or wear shoes that can easily be removed (slip-ons or Velcro closures) with a clean pair of socks for each home you will visit.
3. Keep your cell phone charged and with you at all times. Let someone know your driving itinerary.
Cindy and Susan are massage therapists specializing in end-of-life massage. They co-created Final Touch Training and love offering this specialized training to others. More info available at FinalTouchTraining.com
