Complementary Therapies in the Care of Older People

The need to address the many health care needs of an ageing population increases daily. This text should give nurses an insight into using complementary therapies safely with older people. It is divided into four parts. Part 1 considers the implications for safe practice. Part 2 gives an overview of the four main therapies: massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and flower remedies. Part 3 is the heart of the book and looks at practical applications of the therapies. There is a sound theoretical component to inform safe practice and realistic examples of the integration of such therapies into orthodox care. In a changing world where nurses are reaching out and incorporating different approaches to enhance their practice, this comprehensive resourse should be a useful tool in the care of the older person.

The Author. Foreword. Preface. Acknowledgements. PART I: CONSIDERATIONS FOR SAFE PRACTICE. Chapter 1. Integrating Complementary Therapies Into The Nursing Care of The older Person. Chapter 2. The Appropriateness of Touch. PART II: AN OVERVIEW OF THE THERAPIES. Chapter 3. Massage. Chapter 4. Aromatherapy. Chapter 5. Reflexology (reflex zone therapy). Chapter 6. Flower Remedies. PART III: APPLICATION TO PRACTICE. Chapter 7. The Mental, Emotional and Neurological State. Chapter 8. Respiratory and Circulatory Conditions. Chapter 9. Alimentary Disorders. Chapter 10. Genitourinary Systems. Chapter 11. Mobility Problems. Chapter 12. Sleeping and Resting. Chapter 13. The Cancer Patient. Chapter 14. Dying. Chapter 15. The Way Forward. Appendix I: Essential Oils. Appendix II: Hazardous Essential Oils. Appendix III: Additional Information. Useful Addresses. Index.