The Therapeutic Hand Care Service is provided by Irish Red Cross Volunteers who are trained to give a hand massage and/or a manicure to both men and women in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, day care centres and in their own homes.
The hand massage aspect of the service is also provided at information and awareness days for a variety of organisations and groups. The relaxing effect of the massage is very beneficial, especially for those who have painful and stiff joints; it can improve flexibility and suppleness.
Recently, some of the THC practitioners trained with the British Red Cross in therapeutic massage for the neck, shoulders and arms. It is hoped to continue this training to provide these types of therapeutic massage alongside THC in the future.
Often people who have been ill for a long time can lose interest in their appearance and the manicure can give a great boost to morale. The treatment is a way to communicate care through touch and the fact that a Hand Care Volunteer spends time with the person can often be the most valuable aspect of the service.
The Therapeutic Hand Care course trains Irish Red Cross volunteers and members of the public to give a thorough and safe hand care treatment consistent with the added care required for patients who have disability, are elderly or who have particular needs.
The Training Course
Participants take a one-day course on Therapeutic Hand Care, in which they learn the specialised techniques of hand massage and manicure. On successful completion of the course, they can work as volunteers providing the free service to people in residential care or on home visits.
Commitment
Volunteers should give time on a regular basis with those who they wish to benefit from their Therapeutic Hand Care skills, for example, an hour or two weekly or fortnightly.
Identification of Candidates for Training
Those suitable for Therapeutic Hand Care training are likely to demonstrate the following:
• Pleasure in the company of others
• Open-minded and unbiased
• Patience
• Perception
• Sensitivity
• Flexibility
• A sense of humour
• Ability to listen
• Ability to talk easily and to initiate conversation
• Comfortable with touch
Assessment
Students are expected to participate fully. They will be continuously assessed throughout the course. Assessment will take account of:
• Student’s attitude and approach to the recipient
• Student’s ability to communicate with the recipient
• Knowledge and understanding of nail structure and hand care procedures
• Organisation of work – neatness and cleanliness
• Practical hand care skills
• Appreciation of needs for infection control and good hygiene practice
Placement
Day Care Centres, Nursing Homes and Hospitals may avail of this service, which the Irish Red Cross volunteer provides free of charge for the client. While the volunteer is free to choose the venue where he/she would like to give the service, the Irish Red Cross Therapeutic Hand Care Instructor will provide advice in relation to placement on the day of the training course.
Cost
The Therapeutic Hand Care service is provided free of charge, although the Irish Red Cross is grateful for donations to cover costs of product and materials.
The Therapeutic Hand Care course has a public fee of €65 per person which includes the training day, handbook, full hand care kit and a certificate from the Irish Red Cross. Irish Red Cross members should contact their local branch about fees for branch courses.
Frequency of Courses
The Irish Red Cross arranges courses in response to the needs for the service and the number of individuals wishing to train.
For further information on where you can get this service and/or on where training courses are held (times, costs etc) please contact:
The Irish Red Cross Head Office at 16 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 6424600. Email: info@redcross.ie
Download the Therapeutic Hand Care leaflet here.
