UC Davis Hospice expands complementary therapies offerings

UC Davis Hospice proudly offers a variety of complementary therapies to support our patients and their loved ones during the challenges at the end of life.

Complementary therapies support the hospice goals of care by addressing the mind, body, and spirit. Benefits include support for pain, nausea, anxiety, distress, coping, sleep, and shortness of breath.

“Many of our patients report improved pain, ability to sleep, and a sense of peacefulness and relaxation as well,” said Erin Bjork, hospice volunteer coordinator.

Hospice’s complementary therapies program is funded by charitable donations and endowments to the Hospice Memorial Funds. Thanks to these donations, the hospice program was recently able to expand its complementary therapies offerings to now include massage therapy and therapeutic musicians.

About UC Davis Hospice Massage Therapy

Massage in hospice care helps to reduce emotional, physical, and spiritual suffering, providing a gentle, palliative touch to promote relaxation, reduce pain, and provide a human connection. UC Davis Hospice currently offers massage on a limited basis through Christina Boggs with Tranquility Massage.

“I am humbled and honored to assist in safe quality touch for hospice patients. I care for my patients from head to toe with comfort and grace, which is a gift during a difficult time in their lives,” Boggs said.

About Therapeutic Musicians

Music provides a supporting and soothing experience to improve physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. When patients hear familiar songs from their past, the music can help them recall positive memories and feel a sense of peace.

Therapeutic musicians from Musical Partners in Healthcare (MPIH) visit UC Davis Hospice, providing one on one sessions in the comfort of their homes.

“I personally cannot think of a better time to be of service to others. Hospice can be such a difficult and emotionally challenging time for both patients and family members. Music can reach others in a very profound way,” said Ann Roach from MPIH. “When I can provide soothing music and watch the patient relax and let go, I am helping to ease the dying process. When I watch family members have an emotional release and be filled with gratitude because their loved one is comforted, it brings me such joy. To use the gift of music I’ve been given to help soothe and comfort others is such a rewarding experience.”

About Other UC Davis Hospice Complementary Therapies

Reiki

Reiki is a form of energy healing where therapists use their hands with a light touch on different parts of the body to improve relaxation and decrease pain, anxiety, and fatigue. UC Davis Hospice has two Reiki master volunteers who offer sessions to patients and their loved ones.

“Reiki creates a moment where time seems to pause-a quiet space where I get to sit with the patient, not as a provider, but as a compassionate presence,” said Reiki master Myan Pham. “Reiki offers comfort without words, helping to ease anxiety and bring a sense of peace. Reiki allows the patient and me to simply be together heart to heart.”

Healing Hands Healing Hearts

Healing Hands Healing Hearts is a light head to toe massage that helps with pain, tension, and anxiety. This therapeutic touch for the terminally ill supports the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the dying. Bjork said many patients become so relaxed during Healing Hands sessions that they fall asleep. Several UC Davis Hospice volunteers have completed the 16-hour certification class and provide this touch therapy for our patients.

“We bring a loving, conscious touch and a connection which brings relief from pain, isolation and anxiety that most people face when becoming critically, chronically, and/or terminally ill,” said Brenda Chacon, hospice volunteer and Healing Hands instructor.

Sound Therapy/Singing Bowls

Sound therapy has been used for centuries across cultures to promote healing of the body and mind. Specially trained therapists play crystal or metallic sound bowls, creating vibrations that induce a sense of calm and relaxation, decreasing stress and tension.

 “I wanted to offer the experience of singing bowls because of their unique properties, which help ease physical and emotional tension, pain, and discomfort,” said Christi Cervetti, a volunteer. “Patients typically experience an immediate relaxation effect and often fall asleep. In addition to supporting the patient, the calming sounds also bring a sense of peace to the entire room and can also help soothe family and caregivers.”

A Song for You

UC Davis Hospice partners with A Song For You, a non-profit organization that writes and records personalized songs for patients and families, primarily in hospice. Their goal is to bring comfort, peace, and a bit of joy to those at the end of their lives. A Song for You also produced songs used at the last two annual hospice Night of Remembrance events.

Art and Legacy Projects

Hospice volunteers have been trained by the inpatient CARES program in how to create legacy art projects with our patients. Our hospice volunteers can complete thumbprint necklaces and embossed handprints for patients at end of life, creating special memories for loved ones. In addition, hospice volunteers are provided with a variety of art supplies to enhance their patient visits.

Comfort items

Comfort items such as knit blankets, hats, scarves, and colorful non-skid socks are available for our hospice patients. Community volunteers have graciously donated fidget blankets for patients with Alzheimer’s disease as well as handmade hospital gowns in cheerful colors.

Don is a patient in the hospice program. He has participated in the complementary therapies program.

“The care that I have received with these therapies in hospice is amazing and blows my mind. My brain fog clears, and I feel lighter and more relaxed at the end of my sessions,” he said.

For more information on the complementary therapies offered at UC Davis Hospice, please contact Erin Bjork, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, at (916) 946-1397. Hospice is always seeking volunteers with experience in complementary therapies that will bring our patients comfort and peace at end of life.