Comforting Touch in Dementia and End of Life Care

Comforting touch in dementia and end of life care is highly commended in the Popular Medicine category at the 2012 British Medical Association Book Awards.
Goldschmidt gives an insight, that the simple sensation of touching someone’s hand can have a powerful therapeutic effect.
Hand massage is a positive and meaningful way of reaching out and providing comfort to those who are elderly, ill or nearing the end of life, and it can be particularly effective for people with dementia who may respond well to positive non-verbal interaction.
Barbara Goldschmidt and Niamh van Meines offer inspiration for all caregivers looking for an alternative way to support and connect with a family member, friend or patient in their care.
Goldschmidt teaches an easy 30 minute hand massage sequence and offers clear instructions and detailed illustrations to guide the reader through each step.
This book is combining light massage strokes with focused awareness, and paying close attention to points on energy pathways.
Comforting touch in dementia and end of life care introduces a structured way of sharing touch that is grounded in Western and Eastern massage traditions.
Gentle touch therapy is ideal for healthcare professionals and family members alike, and has been shown to have physical and emotional benefits for both the giver and the receiver.