Caring Hands Massage Program
Our vision at Omega House is to become a community leader and resource for end of life care issues. We are always pursuing additional services that will enhance the quality of life for our residents. We are pleased to announce Omega House was recently awarded a grant from the Superior Health Foundation to start our “Caring Hands Massage Program. This massage program began on April 8th, 2016 and all services are provided by State of Michigan licensed massage therapists.
Omega House serves on average over 40 unique residents per year who will benefit from the Caring Hands Massage Program. In addition, family members visiting frequently who participate in their care and our staff of resident care assistants can receive these services. Some family members spend many hours and at times many days with residents in their final days and weeks of life. Our resident care assistants provide lifting, transferring and other duties that require short periods of muscular exertion. Stress reduction and relieving of muscular and emotional tensions are results from massage therapy.
Research has shown that massage therapy can provide comfort relaxation, and help alleviate the following symptoms and conditions:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Loss of sleep
- Depression, mood disorders
- Stress
- Nausea
- Fatigue
This service is the first of its kind in our area. Current statistics show that hospice care nationwide is increasing each year. In 2015, nearly 1.7 million patients were cared for in a hospice program. This is true for our small rural communities in the Upper Peninsula. Hospice care is growing, and Omega House feels that additional programs and special services such as the Caring Hands Program set us apart and aligns with our vision.
How to Donate to the Caring Hands Massage Therapy Program
In its first full year of the Omega House Caring Hands Massage Therapy Program, residents have received 164 massages. Asked for feedback, 94% of those treated had positive comments – 73 residents felt more relaxed, and 5 said their pain had actually decreased.
To ensure the program continues, we have established a Massage Therapy Fund, where your donations will help our Caring Hands program. To donate, click on Donate and fill in the information. In the “Comments” box at the bottom of the page, write “Caring Hands Massage Therapy Program.” Your donation will go directly to Omega House for processing.
