When a loved one is terminally ill and has a limited lifespan, a hospice care agency in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, can provide the support they need at their own home.
In hospice care, patient comfort is the top priority, and a range of services – including pain management, symptom relief, emotional support, spiritual care and practical assistance – allow for an improved quality of life. Massage therapy is often used in hospice care, as it is proven to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of individuals with terminal illnesses. Below, the professional team at Suncrest Hospice of Philadelphia explains how therapeutic massage works, the benefits it provides and how patients can access massage therapy services.
Massage Therapy for Hospice Patients
Therapeutic massage is a gentle treatment designed to provide comfort and relief. In hospice care, therapists often use techniques that are more delicate and soothing than the techniques used in a traditional massage, such as lightly stroking the skin without applying pressure. If that cannot be tolerated, the therapist may gently hold the hands, arms or other parts of the body to bring comfort. In any case, care is completely tailored to the individual’s needs, and according to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), hospice patients can benefit immensely from massage therapy.
During a massage session, the muscles and soft tissues relax, and in the hands of a skilled therapist, the patient enters a deep state of relaxation. Anxiety is released, pain is lessened and the physical effects of stress – like insomnia, hypertension, fatigue and digestive issues – are decreased. When the session ends, the patient experiences a sense of peace and wellbeing, helping them to cope with what lies ahead.
Many people in Philadelphia never had a massage before entering hospice care and, therefore, have misgivings about the treatment. To ensure comfort, hospice massage therapists consult with patients and/or their loved ones ahead of time to learn about any trigger points or hotspots for pain. With that information, they can create a personalized plan for massage therapy.
How Therapeutic Massage Benefits Hospice Patients
As the AMTA attests, massage therapy services can improve the quality of life for individuals in hospice care. With a terminal illness, wellbeing is often compromised, and physical touch can have a profound effect. Therapeutic massage can help hospice patients by:
Relieving symptoms – Massage is a proven treatment for muscle and nerve pain, and it can help with joint stiffness as well as troubling issues like fatigue and insomnia. For some individuals on hospice care, receiving this form of therapy lessens the need for medications that have strong side effects.
Improving Circulation – Many people who enter hospice care have mobility issues, and not using the muscles as much leads to decreased blood flow through the extremities. Therapeutic massage can help relax the soft tissues and increase circulation, and that can have a positive impact in terms of pain relief and symptom control.
Soothing emotions – Living with a terminal illness can be emotionally taxing, and the end of life approaching can bring on anxiety and depression. In hospice, massage therapy can reduce stress, as it stimulates a release of endorphins and serotonin, chemicals linked to pleasure and positive thoughts.
Providing a connection – During each massage session, patients enjoy one-on-one time with a friendly therapist, and their focus is completely on the individual. Touch is a powerful way to connect with someone, and through therapeutic massage, the terminally ill can feel nurtured and comforted.
How Hospice Patients Can Arrange for Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage is typically included in hospice care, but interested patients and loved ones can contact local care providers to find out if they have a skilled therapist on staff. Some Philadelphia agencies, including Suncrest Hospice, provide massage therapy services without additional charges.
When not received as part of a hospice care plan, massage isn’t a Medicare-covered treatment. Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance (Medicaid) program doesn’t offer coverage for the complementary therapy, and neither do some insurance providers. That said, deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a physician, the service may be covered.
At any rate, with a Philadelphia hospice care agency that offers massage therapy, a terminally ill individual or their family can easily arrange for the service. As we mentioned, it’s normally offered, and a simple mention to the hospice team should get the ball rolling. Patients can benefit enormously from therapeutic massage, and after entering hospice care, no physician’s order for the service is required. `
Reach Out to Suncrest Hospice of Philadelphia Today
During the final stage of life, everyone deserves to be as comfortable as possible, and complementary therapies like massage can help make that happen. At Suncrest Hospice of Philadelphia, we provide our patients with customized, comprehensive care, soothing physical pains and easing each individual’s mind and soul. We understand the value of therapeutic massage in the hospice setting, and it’s just one of the many services we provide. To learn more, or to make arrangements for massage therapy and hospice care at home for a loved one in need, contact Suncrest in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, today.
