The Importance of Touch

One of the most frustrating aspects of Alzheimer's disease is its impact on the person's ability to communicate. Dementia affects communication skills in many ways including language, hearing, reading and writing. As verbal abilities are lost, the person with dementia finds it increasingly difficult to make his or her physical and emotional needs known to the caregiver. The results can vary from depression and withdrawal to agitation and aggressive behavior.

For the memory-impaired person, benevolent touch becomes tremendously important as a means of communication. The presence of touch, gestures and attentive listening by the caregiver, can communicate acceptance, reassurance and love to the person. Nonverbal communication can be considered to be listening with the ears, eyes and heart.

Benevolent touch

Benevolent touch is based on the theory that a positive touch with loving intent conveys the affection, trust, and warmth needed by all people. That touch may be the most effective means of communicating with people who have dementia. There are three types of benevolent touch: unstructured (hand-holding, hugging, caressing); structured (massaging the back or arms); and traditional (dancing, petting animals, and assisting with activities of daily living).

Animal Friends

The presence of resident dogs, cats, rabbits and birds plus an activity-rich environment filled with music and dance increases our residents' daily opportunities for traditional benevolent touch. But visitors will also see many moments of structured and unstructured touch throughout the day. If we accompany our residents to another room, we will guide them by holding their hand. Our body language lets our residents know that we are here to support them to the best of our abilities. Sometimes a delicate touch or a gentle pat on the back is all that is needed to bring a smile to their faces, or to calm them down when agitated.

Respect

Occasionally, we have residents who do not like to be touched, and it is our responsibility to respect the person's wishes to the best of our ability. It is always recommended that visitors who are unfamiliar with a resident's preferences either ask the resident permission or ask a nearby caregiver before you initiate contact.

As a nurse, I rely heavily on touch during my daily assessment of our residents' health. That reassuring stroke that calms a person in distress can tell me if fever is present. A pat on the arm that brings a smile will tell me if a resident's skin is too dry. Touch is an instinct we've had all of our lives. As children, we sought the security and protection of our parents' arms. The need for that reassurance does not disappear in old age, and indeed, increases among the memory impaired. It is important for us all to remember the power of touch.