I am newly qualified in reflexology and am keen to help elderly people. There are several residental homes in my local area which I plan to approach offering my services. I would be grateful for any advice on specific treatment tips/routines, and working within a care home environment. Thanks in advance for your help.
I have worked, and still do periodically, in elderly residential care homes for many years. Since about 1999, it has become progressively more difficult to gain access, without the need to jump through administrative hoops! If possible, it would be worth investing in a CRB check for the area you will be working in - most care facilities are reluctant to do this for you, unless you are actually going to be contracted as a member of staff.
For about 10 years, I have had to ask for payment from the elderly persons family, rather than the client themselves. The management are no longer responsible for payments.
I would strongly recommend that you make an appointment to see the manager of any of the homes local to you, take plenty of leaflets, and 'build bridges' - they may not be able to advertise you themselves, but might take leaflets to display in public areas and allow you to talk to some of the more 'able' residents.
At this stage I wouldn't worry too much about how you are going to do a treatment. It will vary from person to person. I rarely see them with the intent to treat a specific 'problem' but take the opportunity to do a general relaxation routine - and if anything pops up along the way, then I might go over it again. I keep the treatments short - usually 30 minutes. Occasionally they don't want their feet touched, so I do hand massage instead. As before - it can vary. You can be creative!
Thank you!
Jabba,
Thanks so much for your response. I found this very helpful, and exactly the sort of information I needed. I will certainly follow your advice and am in the process of putting together an information pack with leaflets & business cards.
I wish you well.
The details which are shared about your plan is nice. I think, You may offer some more services other than which are offered in your local area. Today, Many of them are searching for the best services with caring persons. Caring for others is an important aspect of engaging in relationships with others.