Alena Dailey, Manager, Chesapeake Life Center and Integrative Arts
Few moments in my life demonstrated the power of touch more than one moment I experienced about a year ago.
In my role as manager of integrative arts, I train volunteers in different care techniques. We visited one of our partner residential centers to offer our patients and their residents Compassionate Touch, a skilled touch technique.
I was visiting with a woman who was quiet as I gently rubbed her hands. Afterwards, she smiled and told me that where she lives there is somebody always telling her how to put her shirt on or help her with her pants or hand her medicine or help her to shower. But no one had ever just held her hand. With tears in her eyes, she asked me if I would come back. Of course, I went back. How could I not?
That moment was a powerful reminder of what integrative arts are all about: connecting on a human level.
What are integrative arts?
Integrative arts, often referred to as the healing arts, focuses on what I like to call the three Cs of compassion: calming, connecting and comfort. Integrative arts allow us to bring an extra layer of human touch and connection to help patients and families experience comfort during a difficult time in their lives.
A toolbox of comfort
Hospices offer a variety of integrative arts techniques to match the needs and wishes of their patients. Hospice of the Chesapeake has volunteers who are trained in Compassionate Touch, reiki, aromatherapy and crystal healing. We also have many comfort pet teams and a pilot music therapy program in partnership with Annapolis Music Therapy.
People might forget what you said or did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
Working with the clinical team
Our integrative arts volunteers are an essential part of the hospice interdisciplinary care team. Their unique skills serve as an additional tool for connecting with patients and families. Even when a patient can no longer communicate verbally, they can still connect through touch, providing meaningful experiences for all involved.
Addressing misconceptions
While some people view practices like reiki and Compassionate Touch as new age or “hippie dippie,” these misconceptions are fading. More patients are open to trying these techniques, often encouraged by family members who are familiar with them. We always tell families that if they try it and don’t like it, they don’t have to continue. Even the most skeptical who give in and try these techniques find they bring comfort and peace.
Hospice of the Chesapeake Volunteers practice Compassionate Touch during a training session.
Our volunteers feel this way, too. Sharon, one of our dedicated volunteers who visits the Rebecca Fortney Inpatient Care Center weekly, said that Compassionate Touch allows her to connect deeply with the patients. She can sense that the patient feels at peace, which in turn helps the family experience peace. And she in turn feels at peace.
As I often say during our dementia training sessions, people might forget what you said or did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
