“Touch is the primary language of compassion, love and gratitude – emotions at the heart of trust and cooperation… it is the central medium in which the goodness of one individual can spread to another.”
These words by Dacher Keltner, an American professor of psychology, emphasised the importance of the pampering session held for the residents of Thembalami Care Centre’s Ibis memory care wing on February 23.
The session, held outside in the lapa, which is set in the care centre’s beautiful grounds, helped create a calm and relaxing environment. Activities included nail care and hand massages using different fragranced lotions to provide sensory stimulation and promote relaxation.
“Even residents who usually have difficulty sitting for extended periods were able to remain seated and engaged for the duration of the session,” says Tsakani Shihlomule, Thembalami’s occupational therapist.
“The sensory input and calm outdoor setting contributed positively to their participation and overall mood,” she says.
