We must never underestimate the power of touch, whether its a gentle holding of the hand,
massaging of feet, a warm hug, or gentle rubbing of the arm or back. Touch deprivation in old age is especially a reality for persons living with dementia, medically frail older adults, and seniors who live alone. We have all heard how touch deprivation can lead to or increase feelings of isolation, anxiety, and insecurity. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many older adults were observed to have declined in physical and mental health as they went for extended periods without in-person contact with those they love.

Research has shown that human contact and physical touch have been linked to improved
outcomes for premature infants and can be just as beneficial to older adults living with dementia.
Healing touch can decrease stress, anxiety, and pain in adults and children and support improved
mobility in older adults. Despite an older adult’s need for touch and being so receptive to touch,
they are often the least likely to receive healing or therapeutic touch from healthcare providers or
family members.

There are trained, licensed practitioners of therapeutic touch working with patients who report
feeling warmth, relaxation, and pain relief due to this type of intervention. Healing and therapeutic
touch is widely used by nurses to reduce agitation in individuals with dementia in memory care
facilities. Many studies have reported beneficial effects of this non-pharmacologic intervention for
the treatment of behaviors seen in patients with Alzheimer’s. Therapeutic touch may improve
quality of life by helping to decrease stress and anxiety to foster emotional, physical, and spiritual
well-being. Some older adults with dementia display behavioral symptoms, such as vocal
outbursts, restlessness, agitation, repetitive questions, wandering, pacing, and physical aggression
toward self or others. Touch can be a therapeutic modality to treat these behavioral symptoms as
well as create present-moment connection, physical contact, and comfort.