It was the spring of 1970 and after a decade of tremendous success as the lead singer for the Supremes, Diana Ross launched a solo career. Her debut single was “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand),” a sweet song about making the world a better place by simple acts of kindness, encouragement and touch. Almost forty years later, Ms. Ross performed this timeless song at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway. The world – and music – had both changed drastically during those ensuing years, but humankind’s need for touch remained – and remains – the same.

Have you ever entered a nursing home and encountered residents sitting in wheelchairs along the hallway?  As you walked pass, did they reach out for your hand? How did you respond?

Touch continues to be one of the most basic human needs throughout our lives and should be considered a vital language in the caregiving relationship. Research reveals that although the opportunity for touch often decreases with age, the need for touch increases as we grow older, become ill or experience isolation. In the 1950’s, before the days of political correctness and concerns that touching a patient may be construed as sexual harassment (along with the escalation of “massage parlors” that gave the term a negative connotation) massages were regularly performed in nursing homes as a deterrent to bedsores. Today, in many healthcare settings, the use of touch therapy is once again being embraced as an effective measure to improve quality of life.

Research shows significant benefits to the use of touch as therapy that include decreased aches and pains; improved joint flexibility; increased relaxation; diminished feelings of isolation; and enhanced well being, both physical and mental. A study from the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in 2004 found massages reduced pain in patients by fifty percent. Other studies concluded that nausea, fatigue, anxiety and depression in cancer patients were all reduced following caregiver provided massages. Additional benefits of touch include lower blood pressure; decreases in Parkinson’s tremors; and less pacing and combative behavior in patients with Alzheimer’s. Research has also shown that touch increases the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin while reducing the level of stress hormone. This, in effect, causes a similar reaction as that of some antidepressants. Using touch instead of medication provides numerous advantages, including saving money and avoiding side effects.

Ruth Drew, director of Family and Information Services at the Alzheimer’s Association suggest guidelines to use when initiating touch. First, ask permission. This gives the care receiver a sense of control and avoids violating personal space. Second, assess the person’s nature, remembering that some people are more receptive to touch than others. Third, keep it simple. Massaging hands with a scented lotion may be a good way to introduce this therapy. Lastly, she recommends a passive rather than aggressive approach. Extend your hand and let the person take it, instead of grabbing their hand. As in all good communication, make eye contact.

While “touch deprivation” was once mostly associated with early infancy, current research suggests that many ailments in today’s ever-increasing elderly population could also be attributed to this easily remedied malady. A simple, loving touch for your care recipient can have substantial benefits. Take time today to give a back rub, offer a foot massage or just reach out and touch somebody’s hand.

 Caring Quote:“Touch is the integral thread that weaves the physical, psychological and spiritual aspects of care together to create the essence of comfort care.” – Irene Smith