Hand Massage

One of the most effective dementia caregiving tools costs nothing and takes five minutes.

Hand massage—slow, intentional, attentive—has been shown in research to reduce anxiety, lower agitation, and improve mood in people with dementia. Sometimes within minutes.

You don’t need training. You don’t need special equipment. You need a willing pair of hands and a willingness to slow down.

Start at the wrist. Move toward the fingertips. Work each finger gently. Watch their face. That’s it.

In this issue I share more on the how—including how to read when touch is welcome and when it’s not. Because knowing the difference matters just as much as the technique.