Therapeutic Hand Care Service
Therapeutic Handcare given by an Irish Red Cross volunteer.
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.
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 Service was established in Ireland in 1987 with the help of the British Red Cross. The objective is to train Irish Red Cross volunteers 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.
Therapeutic Hand Care volunteer Sadie Meade provides Therapeutic Handcare service in Orwell Nursing Home.
© Ann-Marie O’Halloran
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 work as volunteers providing the free service to people in residential care or on home visits.
Commitment
Volunteers should be prepared to give time on a regular basis, for example, an hour or two weekly or fortnightly.
Identification of Candidates for Training. Volunteers suitable for 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
Therapeutic hand care services given by volunteers.
© Ann-Marie O’Halloran
Assessment
Students will be 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
- Students 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 can 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.
Funding
The service is provided free of charge, although the Irish Red Cross is grateful for donations to cover costs of product and materials.
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:
Your local Irish Red Cross Branch
or
The Irish Red Cross Head Office at 16 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 6424600. Email: info@redcross.ie
