Complementary Therapies (in aged care)

Chapter 18: Complementary Therapy

Overview:

• Discussion of complementary therapy guidelines
• Focuses on growing types of therapy including: aromatherapy, reflexology and massage therapy

Description:
There are a variety of strategies that nurses can offer their patients to improve the maintenance of personal health. A new paradigm of care that includes complementary therapies is currently gaining momentum. In this chapter, learn about popular forms of complementary therapy and how they promote well‐being in the elderly.

Topics:

• Introduction
• Definitions
• The goals of complementary therapies
• Complementary therapy guidelines
  • Existing guidelines
  • New guidelines
• Aromatherapy
• Reflexology
• Massage therapy
• Conclusion

Speaker / Author:

Letitia Quirk

Having completed her general nurse training at the Mercy Hospital, Young (NSW, Australia), Letitia worked in both private and public hospitals as well as in a busy medical centre before entering the aged‐care sector. She was introduced to the benefits of lavender by a diversional therapist and personally witnessed its calming effect on residents. Letitia then developed an interest in natural therapies and went on to complete diplomas and certificates in remedial massage, natural therapies aromatherapy and reflexology.

Letitia is a member of the Holistic Nurses Association of NSW and has served on the education subcommittee of the Australian College of Holistic Nurses. She lectures at the NSW College of Nursing on complementary therapies and is a tutor at the Multiversity School of Natural Therapies (Burwood, Sydney, Australia), as well as acting as a consultant in complementary therapies to aged‐care facilities and other healthcare facilities. Letitia is currently the deputy director of nursing at Veronica Nursing Home, Kincumber (NSW).

Professional Reviews: