Main description:

This book introduces pain and stress reduction interventions (the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Model reframes life experience, teaches participants skills, and encourages regular practice of those skills) adapted for use with elders and their caregivers. The book provides step-by-step instruction for meditation, mindfulness, guided imagery, breathing exercises, gentle stretches and chair yoga, aromatherapy, and hand massage. In addition, the book focuses on the common ground connecting elders and those who care for them, using ancient practices and a holistic approach. It presents practical program ideas and tips designed for short classes or 8-week courses for professional caregivers and can be used with a variety of populations such as nursing home residents with physical and cognitive challenges, community-dwelling elders, direct-care staff, and non-professional caregivers.

Contents:

Preface; Foreword; Section One: Foundations; 1. A Box for Father: Healthcare and Nursing Homes; What is healthcare?; Trends in aging and healthcare; What are the alternatives?; Elements of care provision; What we value; 2. Learning from the Inside Out: Mind-Body and Mindfulness-Based; Interventions; Mindfulness; Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and other Mindfulness-based programs; Mindfulness practices; Other informal practices; Practice; Embracing our stress; 3. Knock, Knock: Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Overview; Aromatherapy; Hand massage; Creative therapy; Humor; Three Old Men; Other CAM modalities; Section Two: Practical Applications of MINDFULNESS-BASED ELDER CARE for Frail Elders.