Complementary Therapies in Hospice Press Release
September 25, 2009
Contact: Cassandra Freeman IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel: 770-916-4503
United Hospice Continues to Hold Hands through Complimentary Therapy Programs and Training
Cobb County, GA (August 2009) – Even with talk of a raging flu this year, United Hospice is not afraid to hold hands.
United Hospice is offering training in hand massage, aromatherapy, and Healing Touch Therapy in its Complementary Therapy Programs. The program is open to all members in the community interested in becoming hospice volunteers-free of charge.
“Touch” is the theme present in the complimentary therapies that are part of the care to terminally ill patients at United Hospice. “Curing is different from healing,” says Dawn M. Peralta, RN, Certified Healing Touch Practitioner and Certified Hospice and Palliative Care nurse on staff at United Hospice. While medicine has its importance, therapeutic tools encourage an interactive intervention designed to promote healing.
Studies on the effects of touch show mood change, reduced stress, reduced pain, bonding between a parent and child, and in itself, is a form of communication. While giving a hand massage, caregivers often find that they understand patients better.
“Understanding the power of touch is important to the way we deliver care,” says Cassandra Freeman, Administrator, “We can’t be afraid to hold the hands of our patients and families especially during this journey in their lives.”
The Complimentary Therapy Volunteer Program will be offered monthly starting October 2009 in Austell, GA. For more information or to become a hospice volunteer, please call 770-916-4503.
