Touch - what does it mean for the elderly and those with dementia?

Inspiration from caregivers

In a recent campaign for the Capzy shower screen on social media, I saw caregivers in the comments section start discussing the importance of touching the elderly in nursing homes and using gloves when washing hair.

It was very exciting for me to follow this thread, as it opened my eyes to the importance of touch when you, as an elderly person, no longer have a husband or wife, or other family members to give you physical touch. I have only heard about this sporadically, but never really understood how much importance it has for the individual in, for example, a nursing home.

Use of gloves when washing hair of the elderly?

The discussion began when a health professional wrote that she always used gloves when washing her hair. Another responded that it is especially important in the hair washing situation that the citizen experiences a nice touch without gloves. I thought to myself that I really enjoy when I am at the hairdresser and have my hair washed and my scalp massaged. For me, it is a really wonderful sensory experience, where I completely relax and just enjoy the touch and the feeling of being lovingly treated, pampered and clean.

What does science say?

I then read a literature study on the subject ("Touching the elderly in nursing homes" written by Louise Gorell Mackenhauer) and became aware of many more aspects of the area. Touching releases hormones such as oxytocin and dopamine - both important for well-being, joy, calm, a sense of belonging and the satisfaction of skin hunger. These hormones also help to prevent depression, stress and feelings of loneliness, as the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline are reduced.

But the serotonin system also plays a role. This has an impact on anxiety, irritability and mood - and also on how impulsive we are.

Dopamine regulates euphoria/feelings of pleasure and is secreted as part of the brain's reward system, such as when we eat chocolate.

So touching without gloves is important?

The good effect is not achieved if gloves are used, as this means that the hormonal benefit is not achieved. This makes good sense in my opinion. Most of us know the nice feeling of a good hug, a loving touch or a massage, to name a few.

If, as a nursing home resident, you are primarily only affected when personal care is required, this must be a point of special attention for the nursing home staff in order to give the elderly the best possible old age and a good quality of life. I am sure that this is also the focus in many places.

Capzy and zero gloves can provide better quality of life

In my previous blogs I have written about the hair washing situation in relation to dementia, elderly people with stiff necks and scalp problems, which require special consideration. By using a shampoo screen like Capzy for dementia, for example, hair washing without soap and water on the face can help to give the dementia sufferer peace, and instead of becoming anxious and stressed by the situation, the experience can be one where stimulation and touch can be done without stress, so that the elderly person's quality of life is improved.

The literature study, which I mentioned earlier, also showed that the effects extend across many areas, as touching in peace and quiet, and thus the secretion of oxytocin and dopamine, provides better sleep, more joy, better memory, better appetite and improved social relationships and overall a better quality of life for the elderly and those with dementia, not to mention caregivers and relatives.

So the conclusion must be: Off with the glove and on with Capzy :-)

Your opinion is important to me.

I would really appreciate input from caregivers. So if you would like, please feel free to comment and give me more knowledge from your everyday life on the subject.