Horn
Hospice welcomes Katie Goodale, Licensed Massage Therapist, to their Hospice
team. Katie comes to Horn Hospice with over 8 years of massage therapy
experience. Massage therapy is one of the ways Horn Hospice provides
comfort and relaxation at the end of life, which can be a time of increased
anxiety and fear for those making the transition.
Many
recipients of end of life massage have demonstrated a positive response to the
therapy, such as a decrease in emotional distress, anxiety, physical
discomfort, pain and nausea. Goodale comments, “Massage releases ‘feel
good hormones’ which gives patients the feeling of well-being. It helps
them to relax and take their mind off of things, but at the same time, it helps
them feel like they are still connected to the world. Massage therapy for
the terminally ill is something I’ve always wanted to do. I enjoy taking
care of people, and the human contact I offer through massage gives patients
the feeling that people care for you; perhaps even makes them feel better about
their situation.”
In
addition to a massage therapist, the Horn Hospice team includes physicians,
nurses, aides, volunteers as well as a social worker, wound consultant, and
chaplain. Hospice is a special kind of care bringing comfort, support and
compassion to the terminally-ill and their families. The Horn Hospice
team places emphasis on comfort and quality of life for their patients by
providing for the emotional and spiritual needs of each individual.
