With walking though a local shopping mall yesterday, I spotted an elderly couple happily strolling along hand-in-hand - a touching sight! I was reminded that I did this myself with my father in his later years ... Alzheimer's disease had robbed him of his abilities to speak.
Hand-holding provides a means of unspoken communication ... it provides a means to connect with someone when you either have nothing to say or someone has the inability to respond. A warm touch or a gentle squeeze shares a strong message.
Carrying this idea further, there are ample other opportunities for continued physical contact even when your loved one is in long-term care. If a person remains bed-bound, you could provide a soothing shoulder massage. Should someone be more mobile, try hugging him/her.
Whatever you do with offering physical contact, do so slowly and gently as not to raise undue alarm. If a senior can still understand and communicate, ask for permission.
With thinking back to the elderly couple in the mall, hand-holding showed the world they loved and cared for each other. Far more importantly, hand-holding showed each couple partner the love and commitment he/she shared with the other. On your next visit to see Mom/Dad, try this out for yourself ... it is such an easy thing to do and it means so much.
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