Massage in a Assisted Living Community

[style_trek]

I am considering growing my business and am considering approaching the administator in a local assisted living facility. I was wondering if anyone her has any experience in this area and could give me some guidance. I would appreciate all input.
Thanks
dreamtouch

 

[ichthusfish]

Go for it!!!!!!

I work with seniors and geriatric clients in many different settings, including assisted living. It's hard to tell you *how* to approach a facility, as each administrator has his or her own attitude about bodywork and about their residents. I think the most prevalent I've seen has been, "old people won't want massage!" Now I go in and tell them where all I already go - they can't tell me old people don't like massage, when they hear that! In the beginning, though, I went in and offered to host a free informational meeting for their residents, family and staff and we could let *them* decide if they are interested in massage or not. I did quite a bit of demo in that initial meeting, talked just a little about the benefits of massage and answered a lot of questions.

In most places, the residents pay me at the time of service. In some cases, a family member works out those details and pays when I invoice them or pays in advance a month at a time. At one assisted living home, I go in monthly for just an hour or two and the management pays me for the time. I go from room to room, activity center, etc. and give short massages to whoever is interested. It is a small home, so the staff can easily keep me posted on any issues. There are sinks in every room and I carry my own soap and also I carry hand sanitizer. (There is soap at every sink, too but I'm allergic to most.) Staff is also allowed to have quick massages while I am there. It is great!