Frequently Asked Questions
What is aged care massage?
Aged care massage is a specialised massage treatment that caters to the specific and often delicate needs of our senior citizens. Tailored to each individual client, an aged care massage is a gentle style that focuses on healing through touch, with an emphasis on soothing and relieving symptoms of aging.
What are the different aged care massage techniques?
Aged care massage is a fusion of relaxation and remedial therapies, focusing on a calm touch with restorative purpose. This therapy seeks to heal from the outside in, providing remedial relief and soothing treatment. Using a combination of long strokes, varying pressure and kneading, aged care massage can assist in improving mobility and flexibility, relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and improving mental cognition, clarity and overall happiness.
What should I look for in an aged care massage therapist?
Every therapist on Blys is trained and qualified in a variety of massage styles. Your aged care therapist will be experienced, qualified and knowledgeable in the particular practicalities of aged care massage, including pressure, ailments, palliative care, and how to tailor the massage for each client. All therapists in the Blys platform are professional and compassionate – we’re here to help.
Who would benefit from an aged care massage?
An aged care massage is ideal for elderly clients who experience the pains and discomforts associated with an aging body. Ailments such as arthritis, chronic pain, weak joints, muscle tightening or weakness, atrophy, decreased mobility, loss of circulation, compromised balance and oedema/lymphedema are common among this demographic.
Massage is a physical therapy that employs the use of touch – a sense that some clients yearn for as they age. High rates of anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness and fear exist in this population. The healing power of touch can help to combat these negative feelings and emotions, providing a personal, sensitive and compassionate experience.
Who should not get an aged care massage?
Whilst an aged care massage is designed for the elderly population, you must consult your health care practitioner before engaging in any kind of physical therapy. In particular, if you experience chronic pain, a terminal illness, cancer or are in palliative care or hospice, you must consult your health care professional to ensure that an aged care massage is safe and appropriate. Blys wishes to support every client around Australia to the best of our ability without compromising health.
Who can use the HCP to cover for aged-care massage services?
Anyone over the age of 65 (or above 50 for First Nations people) who is eligible for HCP funding can use it to cover for aged-care massage services.
How do I know if I am eligible to use my HCP for aged-care massage on the Blys platform?
The Australian Government determines the eligibility to use HCP to fund aged-care services. Check with your care provider or government support to confirm your eligibility.
Why choose massage therapy for the elderly?
As we age, our bodies go through a process of natural degeneration. Whilst this experience is unique to each individual, it is fairly safe to assume that we will all be subjected to new aches in our joints and muscles, develop conditions and ailments that were once foreign concepts, perhaps lose our ability to move unaided, care for ourselves or remember everything. Massage therapy can assist in all these areas by providing a holistic physical treatment that also soothes the mind. Massage is beneficial to the brain as much as the body, providing a skilled hand and a compassionate soul to people who need it most.
What is end-of-life massage?
Death is a reality for everyone and can be a difficult time in anyone’s life. End-of-life care options include palliative care and hospice facilities. The aim of these institutions is to provide a comfortable, compassionate and supportive environment for those who are undergoing treatment for chronic diseases or living with a terminal illness. Massage shares this goal through the healing power of touch. A single massage session has the capacity to improve quality of life by addressing the symptoms of aging, chronic disease/pain or terminal illness. To inquire about massage services for end-of-life, please contact our team at 02 5944 3897.
What is geriatric massage?
Geriatric massage is the professional term for aged care massage. Geriatric massage is a style in and of itself and employs its own massage techniques to service the aging body. Those who experience Parkinson’s, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, or any other old-age-related condition can benefit from a geriatric massage. By using tailored pressure, flowing strokes and compassionate touch, your geriatric massage therapist can reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation and natural joint lubrication, increase mobility and generally assist in relieving the side effects of aging.
Why is mobile massage the best for aged care?
Mobile massage services are especially valuable to elderly, disabled or otherwise compromised/vulnerable clients. Your Blys mobile massage therapist brings all their own equipment directly to the door of your home or room. Massages can be booked online or via the app with minimal effort. No need to leave, travel, park, and then do it all again on the return – everything comes right to you with Blys. We prioritise flexibility, convenience and practicality above all so that we maximise healing time and minimise everything else.
How does massage improve mental health?
Growing old may not be a peaceful or fulfilling experience for everyone. We should always be sensitive to the emotions and feelings of others, especially those who are vulnerable. Aging presents new challenges as our bodies undergo stresses that never afflicted them before. As we enter into our senior years, we may lose sight of our former selves, growing anxious, depressed, fearful, paranoid, or lonely.
Aged care is a critical resource for our communities. Looking after our friends’, parents’ and grandparents’ mental health is just as important as their physical wellbeing. Touch has the capacity to provide security, comfort, facilitate empathy and understanding, and to heal. Connection is essential in providing support for mental health conditions. Massage is unique in that it is a physical therapy that can provide mental relief by releasing positive chemicals in the brain and restoring an aching soul.
Can I get an aged care massage near me?
You sure can! Blys has locations around Australia and we are constantly expanding our therapist network to reach as many people as possible. To see if aged care massage is available near you, call 02 5944 3897 to chat with our friendly team.