“Hospice is a philosophy of care that emphasizes helping patients live fully until the end.” This philosophy can be implemented in any setting.  Hospice is often recommended when treatment for a patient is no longer an option, and the doctor’s best prognosis is that the patient will die within six months.  It does not necessarily mean that, but it does allow for care and management of symptoms for the best quality of life.   

Palliative Care, often confused with Hospice, is when the condition is chronic, and  care is focused on the management of symptoms rather than a cure.  The gentle slow massage, or even gentle holds, can help with fragile skin, ascites, pain, neuropathy, anxiety and depression.  Depending on the client, the massage may be on a standard massage table, or may be adapted to massage in a recliner or bed.

During hospice  or end-of-life care, the oncology massage therapist  can help reduce, stress, anxiety, fears and pain without side effects and allows the remaining time to be as peaceful and comfortable as possible.  The oncology massage therapist is trained to adapt the massage to be mindful of compromised organs, fragile bones, easily bruised skin, pain, and other side effects of cancer and cancer treatments.  The massage is adapted to each specific client and his or her needs.  Oncology massage decreases symptoms and improves quality of life.  It is a soft, gentle, slow massage that is given to the patient meeting them where they are.

Our residential visits can provide a gentle massage while you are resting in bed, in a recliner, or on the sofa.  No massage table needed.  If the caregiver is present, it may also be appropriate to schedule a second massage to help the caregiver release stress and tension.