All of us have needs and wishes for friendship, belonging, companionship and intimacy, including people with dementia. Dementia will change how these feelings and needs are met but if these needs are left unaddressed, it is likely to cause frustration in your most intimate, trusted relationship.
One way to offer companionship and a sense of belonging and safety, is through human touch. Even when someone isn’t able to communicate verbally, touch serves as a universal language, eliciting positive behaviours and promoting feelings of safety and wellbeing. For example, research has found that just five minutes of hand massage can induce physical relaxation while reducing levels of cortisol, a hormone released during times of stress.
The research also showed that hand massage for a person with dementia can result in significantly lower levels of agitation, for as long as an hour following the session.
Such massage has also been found to deepen relationships between family care partners and individuals with dementia.
Loss of memory is a huge part of dementia, however sensory memory remains. This means that although the person with dementia may not remember you, items or places, positive feelings related to positive physical touch, will remain. For you as the carer this also helps you to feel physically close to the person you are looking after.
Ideas for positive touch and interaction could include:
- Simply holding hands whilst relaxing/watching TV/ sitting beside each other brings feelings of comfort and safety to the person with dementia.
- Regular hugs promote a safe, loving environment.
- Brushing someone’s hair in slow, relaxing motions.
- Applying moisturiser to your loved one’s face, arms, legs, and feet in slow massage like motions.
- Giving a manicure/pedicure.