Is there such a thing as geriatric massages?

My husband's doctor OK'd him for massage, and we signed up at a local parlor. When his assigned therapist came out to get him, I thought, "OMG! She'll kill him!" She was very strong-looking and muscular, and she was the one who did deep massages. But she was very gentle with him, and he absolutely loved the experience. I tried to take him once a week or so.

My mom was complaining about a back ache. We tried everything, hot bath, massage tools, etc. Finally took her for a massage, which she enjoyed, but it did not help the back ache. Then took her to the doc to get checked out. Thought he may prescribe something for her back. Nope. She had a UTI and was prescribed antibiotics, then the backache went away.

My Mother was very frail too and through a grant our Hospice got,they offered Mother massages through Compassionate Touch.The lady came 1-2 times a week and massaged Mother's legs and back and arms and hands and Mother would finally relax.
It really helped my Mother a lot. I hope you can find this help as well.Good luck~

My daughter is a Certified Massage Therapist and she received an email from her school offering a class for this very type of massage. While she was in school they had a few days where they went to a hospital to do massages on patients. Now certain patients and even people who are not in facilities cannot receive a massage, that’s why there is paperwork that is filled out on first visit. The Residents wouldn’t lay on a table, just maybe lay in the bed. Could be good for circulation and even if it’s a light rub it would be relaxing. In my CNA class we learned how to do a back rub, a light figure eight. My Residents loved that.

You would of course need to find someone who understands working with the ill or elderly is not the same as working with the general public, even if they are not certified in geriatric massage. Is your mom someone who used to enjoy going to the spa for regular massages? If she was then she might enjoy it, if not she may find the intimacy of a massage is not something she is comfortable with, but  she might like some of the alternative therapies like reflexology.

Craniosacral massage has the weight of a nickel when applied. It’s excellent for infants and elderly. Find a therapist that will start there. Be careful to have your mom drink extra water as massage releases toxins. She will be tired afterwards but it’s a great idea.

My father had massage provided by hospice - it made him much more comfortable. I think she did a variety of gentle massage, but also did lymphatic drainage massage which is extremely gentle. He was initially uncertain as to having a massage but afterwards felt so much better so he kept having them weekly.

I remember reading that Bob Hope got a massage well into his 90s to keep his circulation going

I use a warm pack on mom's sore shoulders and hips and I give her a light massage using coconut oil before she falls asleep once or twice a week -

I know her memory care will arrange for a message therapist but anything but the lightest touch would be too much for her

Carolellen.
My Mother was on Hospice when she had her massages and got them through the Hospice company Mother had but I know the lady that helped my Mother also had other clients and one was a girl who'd been in a horrible wreck years ago and this lady had been giving her massages for years and she wasn't on Hospice...Maybe if you call some Hospice companies in your area,they might know someone who does massages privately.I think it is wonderful you are trying to do this for your Mother and she is lucky to have you. Take good care~Lu.

The lady that helped my Mother used essential oils and special lotion she brought with her and I would put on some light music and turn down the lights and keep the tv off. I wanted it to be quiet so Mom would relax.Mother laid in her liftchair and the lady and I would reposition Mother as the lady needed to get to certain areas and the lady always asked Mother if she wanted her back to be bare or if she wanted to keep her robe on.Mother loved it bareback mostly.We also used extra pillows around Mother's body too. I think the power of Touch is so important for everyone.