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The Medically Frail Client

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The Medically Frail Client

Discussions and insight on techniques and treatment and support of clients who are considered medically frail such as those with ALS, MS, Parkinson's, in final stages of life, etc.

Members: 46
Latest Activity: Nov 25, 2013

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Comment by vinny andrews on October 10, 2013 at 7:15am

Hi,  I'm an LMT from Massachusetts. I have a private practice and consider myself a "general practitioner", in that I have a wonderful mix of clients ranging from goals of relaxation to living with chronic and life-threatening illness to sports performance. I have or have had clients with MS, Parkinsons, numerous cancers, HIV, etc.  Mostly, I've found, not so much my specific "techniques" as my attitude of supportive presence and the power that is touch are key. Some of my "frail" clients are surprisingly not-frail even close to end of life.  And I have just one ALS client, but in the five + years we've worked together, he's taught me that no illness is "terminal" until the client says it is.   

I look forward to learning much from discussions with this group!

Comment by denise warren on February 2, 2012 at 9:41am

I currently work at a spa and a growing Hospice.  I've worked as an aide in long-term care, also did private massage there before joining hospice.  Have done 4 yrs in Hospice Massage.  Alway looking for new ideas and/or classes to better treat pts.  Looking forward being part of this group.

Comment by Rick Miller on December 30, 2011 at 10:33am

I am a Texas Licensed LMT and MTI. My primary area of practice for the last three years is providing Hospice Massage for a large Central Texas Hospice Provider. In addition to my hospice work, I also teach at " A New Beginning School of Massage Killeen. I am very pleased to join your group.   

Comment by Carolyn Adams on August 12, 2010 at 3:39pm
Hi Everyone --

I was ranting in my last post and I'm sorry. I saw "medically frail" and went spouting off with my frustration. I didn't read the whole topic. Will be more careful in the future.
Comment by noreen zakrajsek on August 11, 2010 at 11:06am
Hi
is anyone formiliar with~ An Everflowing Resource by Irene Smith
Includes Book, DVD and 2-CD Set
Purchase directly from Natural Touch Marketing for $84.95.

It sounds like great info to help guide me wih my work on Hospice & The Elderly.
Comment by Carolyn Adams on August 11, 2010 at 8:00am
Hi everyone. Great group and topic! I just completed a 50-hour hospital-based massage program followed by a 16-hour cancer/mastectomy massage class. It feels like I realized how very little I know.

I am currently working in a spa but hope to do more hospital or cancer work. The spa, unfortunately, does not accepts clients unless the are 6+ months out of chemo/radiation because "everyone knows massage can cause cancer to metastisize." I presented articles showing this is not true but to no avail. I'm so disappointed that this attitude continues. Their thought was that it's okay to massage a cancer patient (but not in the spa) when the cancer is so widely spread that "the good of massage outways the bad." I really hope we can eliminate this outdated mindset!
Comment by Anita Bakke on July 8, 2010 at 1:56pm
Hi everyone! Hope your summer is filled with joy and fun and you are keeping your hearts and hands busy caring for the medically frail souls you are presented. Question - What do you do for yourself to keep your balance and open heart? Sometimes when doing this work we can become overwhelmed with some of the cases we are handling. What do you do to keep balance and your heart open to what you are presented with? Let's talk about it.
Comment by Anita Bakke on July 8, 2010 at 1:50pm
Thanks Noreen! They are a great and appreciative group.
Comment by noreen zakrajsek on July 8, 2010 at 12:48pm
HI
I agree with Anita
I start working with the elderly in 07 by volunteering 1 day a month at a retirement home. about 11/2years later I started to develope a few clients & receiving payment for my services. I love this age group of people. recently I have joined Hospice in volunteering massage as well.
Comment by Lisa Curran Parenteau on June 16, 2010 at 2:32pm
Join us Monday 6/28 at 8pmEST for another complimentary Inspire U webinar-this one featuring Grace Terry, MSW. Grace will present on Effective Grief Support in a Death Denying Culture and how we can uplift with our awareness. Presented by the Center for Compassionate Touch, LLC
 

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