Introduction

This education programme on hand massage outlines the theoretical basis to hand massage in alleviating anxiety for people living with dementia. It provides a pictorial guide to the steps involved in providing hand massage. It is recommended that this resource be used in tandem with the video on hand massage entitled Tabhair dom do lámh (available below). It was initially developed in 2014/2015 (Tuohy et al, 2015) and was revised in 2022.

Project Team Members

Team Member: Dr Dympna Tuohy

Team Role: Design development/Recording/Editor

Involved in original design of hand massage video. Part of project team in script writing, recording, and editing. 

Therapeutic touch through hand massage is a way of connecting, communication and being present with a person living with dementia. It is a way of providing support with and for the person and their family and their carer(s). 

Team Member: Dr Margaret Graham

Team Role: Design development/Recording/Editor

Involved in original design of hand massage video. Part of project team in script writing, recording, and editing. 

I see hand massage as an innovation informed by evidence that can used as a valuable strategy in promoting person centred care practices with older people and their families.

Team Member: Dr Teresa Tuohy

Team Role: Design development/Recording/Editor

Involved in original design of hand massage video. Part of project team in script writing, demonstrating skills, recording, and editing. 

Hand massage is a way of connecting and communicating with a person living with dementia. It is a way of providing support with and for the person and their family and their carer(s).

Team Member: Dr Kevin Johnson

Team Role: Narrator / Editor / Producer / Director

Kevin worked with the project team to facilitate the recording and editing of this version of the project. He worked closely with the team members to script and storyboard the process as well as record and edit the final version. Kevin also narrated the script in the final video.

Project Sponsors

This project is sponsored and supported by the Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick

Project Partners

Kath Burke, Registered General Nurse, previously Clinical Nurse Manager, St Camillus Hospital, Limerick   

Alisha Mac Mahon, BA Irish Music and Dance student at the Irish World Academy of Music, University of Limerick performed and recorded the music.

Maurice Gunning, Still Photography.

Airosa, F. Falkenberg,T, Öhlén,  Gand  Arman, M. (2016) Tactile massage as part of the caring act a qualitative study in short-term emergency wards Journal of Holistic Nursing 34 (1)13–23

Tuohy, D., Graham, M.M., Johnson, K., Tuohy, T. and Burke, K, (2015) Developing an educational dvd on the use of hand massage in people with dementia: An innovation. Nurse Education In Practice, 15(4):299-303.

Yucel, S.C., Arslan, G.G. and  Bagci, H. (2020) Effects of hand massage and therapeutic touch on comfort and anxiety living in a nursing home in Turkey: A randomized controlled trial Journal of Religion and Health 59:351–364 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-019-00813-x

Tabhair dom do Lámh (Irish) is a an early 17th century tune from Ireland composed by  Rory Dall O'Cahan. The tune was revived by Seán Ó Riada.

Image of hands
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