Helping elderly turn

[Sammy Girl]

Does anyone have some specific tips on helping an elderly client go from prone position to sitting. I have a towel under their shoulders and pull to give them a boost without actually pulling on them. Are these things covered in Geriatric Massage CEU's?

 

[syph]

Helping elderly turn

I have her scoot toward one side (we'll say left), then help her roll onto right side (in this example). Now that she's on her side, I help her bend at the hips so legs are pointing straight off table. Then squat and ask her to act like she's hugging me, and help raise her up to seated positon.

Actually, though, if a client needs this much help getting up, I recommend subsequent sessions be seated (not with "massage chair", but seated in a regular chair, with tabletop unit).

Hope this made sense!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Helping elderly turn

Thanks Ding! That's basically what we do but scooting is tough on them. Where's our magic wand when we need it...

 

[Primitive Again]

Helping elderly turn

I have found that for most of my elderly clients, it is much easier for them to get off the table from supine than from prone so I have them start prone. Turning over is still a process, but they can turn from prone to supine, rest while having the remainder of the massage, then get off the table okay. I will offer my arm and place the other arm behind their back to help them sit up, if needed. Getting off the table from prone just takes more strength and is more complicated.

I tell them that someday I will have silk sheets and silk jammies for all, then if turning is hard, I can just grab the jammies and flip them.

 

[Newbie555]

Helping elderly turn

LOL! And I'm sure they all love you!

I'm thinking of doing some volunteer work in our local nursing home, but am leaning more towards neck, shoulder, arm/hands while they are seated. Since you and maybe others here have experience working in that setting, do you see any problems that may come from that as long as I get doctor's permission for each client? I'll be glad when my son gets his license so that hopefully I'll be able to make time to do that then.

 

[satine]

Helping elderly turn

I do quite a bit of massage in a nursing home with the clients seated, and work as you are thinking. It is wonderful and they love it! I have had positive feedback from clients, staff, families and occasionally physicians. I also work with some in the hospital bed without doing any repositioning.

 

[niceandcool.]

Helping elderly turn

I massage my elderly clients first from a supine position then side lying, just like you would with pregancny massage. My clients always much prefer this but you know it depends on your clients. Make sure to use plenty of pillows. One under head, between legs and to hug if they want. I have never had an elderly person prone.

 

[Uncle Jez]

Helping elderly turn

I do quite a bit of massage in a nursing home with the clients seated, and work as you are thinking. It is wonderful and they love it! I have had positive feedback from clients, staff, families and occasionally physicians. I also work with some in the hospital bed without doing any repositioning.

Thanks Sharon. I'm really going to check into it...

I massage my elderly clients first from a supine position then side lying, just like you would with pregancny massage. My clients always much prefer this but you know it depends on your clients. Make sure to use plenty of pillows. One under head, between legs and to hug if they want. I have never had an elderly person prone.

I have one client for sure I will try the side lying massage position with. Thanks!