As elder care providers, our mission is to fulfill all our residents’ psychosocial needs. This approach extends beyond providing traditional nursing care in order to ensure all dimensions of wellbeing are met. We continually seek innovative and compassionate ways to support our residents and their families. One such program we are proud to offer is Reiki for seniors—a gentle, non-invasive healing practice that is particularly beneficial in combination with palliative care services.
What is Reiki Therapy?
Reiki is a form of energy healing that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of peace. During a Reiki session, practitioners use different hand positions to restore energy pathways within the body. The practitioner may use gentle touch or hold their hands above the client, but forceful manipulation is never used. The hand positions a practitioner uses encourages the flow of the client’s own energy, with some hand positions being held for up to five minutes at a time. While Reiki does not cure physical ailments, it can offer emotional, mental, and spiritual healing, which can be especially meaningful at end of life.
The Benefits of Reiki for Seniors
Research into Reiki’s effects are ongoing, but studies suggest its potential to ease physical and emotional discomfort. For seniors who live with autoimmune disease, mental health disorders, or chronic illness, the benefits to receiving Reiki may include:
- Pain and Symptom Relief
- Physical and Emotional Balance
- Anxiety and Depression Relief
- Increased Immune Function
- Better Sleep
- Spiritual Comfort
A Safe and Complementary Practice for Seniors
One of Reiki’s most unique qualities is that it “can never do harm.” There are no reported negative side effects – in fact, Reiki actually complements traditional Western medical treatments. By calming the nervous system, it may even enhance the effectiveness of medications and other therapies, including hospice and palliative care.
These benefits can be particularly supportive for those managing diabetes or mental health concerns. Additionally, Reiki can be performed in a variety of settings and positions. Residents can receive services while sitting in a wheelchair, laying down in their bedrooms, or virtually through Distance Reiki. This allows the practitioner to meet the residents where they are, regardless of their health conditions.
“I look forward to it, I feel better after it’s done, and I think it works for me and is helping me out.”
Reiki at Rockingham County
Our goal is to ensure that each resident experiences the maximum benefit of Reiki in a way that aligns with their personalized care plan. Offering Reiki therapy provides residents with an additional layer of comfort and support, with sessions being tailored to each resident’s needs.
We believe that integrating Reiki into our life enrichment offerings aligns with our mission to deliver compassionate, holistic care. By embracing this gentle yet powerful practice, senior care providers can help our residents and their loved ones find peace and connection during life’s transitions.
For more information, visit www.rockinghamcountyseniorliving.com
