Why is positive touch so important in care settings?

According to the International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17482631.2024.2348891#abstract), by touching a person’s skin in a comforting way, this signals to the person that they matter. Touch communicates safety and connection with them at a time when they may feel vulnerable, anxious or unwell. Touch can build up trust and rapport between a carer, nurse or medical professional and the resident or patient. It helps medical professionals meet the goals stated within person-centred care of ensuring the person retained their human rights and is not reduced in anyone’s view as an object or ‘problem’ to solve.

Touch is also involved in so many therapies and treatments, from physiotherapy to therapeutic massage; helping people in and out of bed to applying ointments or creams directly to the skin. It is required when changing dressings, checking blood pressure and taking blood. Touch can help alleviate physical symptoms, such as circulatory problems, feeling cold and even reducing stress. How many of us have calmed down immediately during a difficult situation when someone held our hand or stroked our forehead or arm?

Namaste – the importance of touch to people with dementia

Many people living with dementia can benefit from compassionate, therapeutic touch. This can often prompt memories of other times when they have been calmed by touch and can help ‘centre’ people when they feel overwhelmed or unsure of what’s going on around them. A large part of the Namaste approach to caring for people with dementia, which has been proven highly effective for those moving toward the end of their lives, is to do with using touch and physical contact to offer reassurance and comfort.

Namaste uses powerful tools such as touch and human contact to help people get enjoyment out of their daily routines through positive stimulation, sensory experiences and a focus on the patient as a person, not a ‘problem’. Simple activities such as helping someone have a bath become more than a straightforward ‘task’. Caring touch and communication helps the person gain a deeper enjoyment from the experience and ease their anxiety or stress.

Some ‘dos’ and don’ts’ around using touch in care settings

Always be guided by the care home resident or patient around how much tough they like to receive – or even if they want to be touched at all, beyond the basic essentials. Some people are more ‘tactile’ than others and this must be respected in how residents are cared for. There could be issues from the person’s past that makes physical touch an emotionally painful sensation, for example. There may also be people who thrive on physical contact – stroking their arm, hugging, holding their hand etc. This information can be recorded in the personal record section of Care Vision so anyone involved in a person’s care knows what type of touch they like – and in what circumstances.

Be positive and confident when touching a care home resident, once you are sure that the gesture will be welcomed. A tentative approach will not offer reassurance, while moving too quickly, or too assertively could cause alarm. Watch for signs that tell you whether or not the person is happy with the touch you are providing and adjust accordingly. Always be led by them and their needs and preferences at the time.