Complementary Therapies for Older People in Care

An invaluable companion for complementary and beauty therapists working with older people in care, this book offers unique information and practical advice on the issues that are often overlooked in training. The author addresses the common pitfalls and difficulties practitioners are likely to encounter when working with this client group, offering encouragement and down-to-earth advice for tackling them. With useful examples and explanatory photographs throughout, the book will give new practitioners the confidence and practical strategies needed to provide treatments that are tailored to the particular needs of older people. It covers assessing older clients for suitable treatments; communicating effectively with clients, relatives and care staff; adapting treatments for clients with particular health conditions, including dementia; working around beds, wheelchairs and medical equipment; hygiene, safety; and ethical considerations. The book also provides guidance on using specific complementary therapies and techniques with older clients, including reflexology, aromatherapy and massage. This is an essential handbook for practitioners who have recently started working, or who are training to work with, older people in care settings, including in care homes, hospitals and in palliative care.