b"MASSAGE THERAPYOnsite massage therapy in long-term careBenefits for residents, staff, and the homeBy Pamela Renneberg, RMT, CDTM assage therapists are notagreements were established withpresentation and needs. The residents commonly part of the long- monthly rental fees. This includedappreciate not only the treatment but term care team. However, Ioffice space, linen provision, telephonethe conversation a visit can provide.have had the pleasure of providingand computer equipment. As I was registered massage therapy treatmentscontracted, there were no costsOccasionally, a resident I am treating to residents in long-term care for theincurred by the long-term care home. has entered a palliative state. Although last 24 years and am sharing my storyI was not personally comfortable in the so that other homes and massageI had the opportunity to establish mypalliative space initially, I have come therapists can see the value of business, and the home was able toto appreciate and feel honoured to be this partnership. offer onsite registered massage therapypart of this care team if needed.for their residents and staff.This journey started with my clinicalFor staff, there are many advantages placement in college at St. Joseph'sOnsite registered massage therapy isto having onsite massage therapy. Hospital in Hamilton. The goal wasnot a common placement in long- The services provided assist the staff to monitor the benefits of registeredterm care, but St. Josephs Lifecaremember in maintaining their physical massage therapy provided to theCentre, the home where my practicefunction with the hope of avoiding geriatric population.is located, includes registered massageinjuries and reducing sick time duetherapy as part of a multidisciplinaryto injury.Benefits of treatment varied andteam. Being included allows for included pain management,my representation on numerousIt has been a wonderful experience promoting circulation, decreasingcommittees, participation in onsitebeing part of a multidisciplinary team edema, addressingcontractures,training, guidance for PointClickCarewithin a long-term care home. I assisting with range of motion, anddocumentation, and knowledge of theenjoy taking the time to listen to the providing temporary relief of tremors.homes policies and procedures. I alsoresidents, as they have amazing life Additionally, the aspect of humanparticipate in the Accreditation Canadaexperiences that they are more than touch added to the quality of life process as a community stakeholder. willing to share. My advice to other of residents has proved to be It is often the staff or physicians wholong-term care homes is to consider very advantageous. recommend massage therapy to aadding registered massage therapyI found my clinical placement toresident or their power of attorneyas an additional modality to their be so rewarding that I presented a(POA). With the latter, upon completioncurrent resident care. Although the proposal to a long-term care home.of each massage therapy treatment, Iprimary benefit is to the resident, the This resulted in a full-time contractsend a comprehensive communicationtherapist, staff and home also gain in position providing fee-for-serviceto the POA. This communicationthis framework. LTCTtherapeutic treatments to residentsconfirms that treatment was provided, and staff. Standards of practice aredetails my findings, shares how the implemented as per the Collegeresident responded to treatment,Pamela Renneberg is a of Massage Therapists of Ontario,and adds any little sentiments fromRegistered Massage Therapist the regulatory body for Registeredmy conversations with the residents.(RMT) and Combined Massage Therapists. This detailed summary is alwaysDecongestive Therapist (CDT). appreciated by family members. WhenHer practice has been located In lieu of rent, it was agreed I woulda family member requests treatmentat St. Josephs Lifecare Centre sit on various committees and providefor their loved one, generally afor the last 20 years. She can be a predetermined number of hours ofconsistent treatment plan is establishedreached at prenneberg@sjltc.cacommittee contribution. Subsequentappropriate to the residents www.oltca.com LONG TERM CARE TODAY 57"