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From the Heart Through the Hands

The Power of Touch in Caregiving

By Dawn Nelson

This revised and updated edition presents a combination of practical advice, true stories, and invaluable information for those who want to increase their ability to communicate more consciously and effectively through touch. The physical and psychosocial benefits of skilled touch for the confined, elderly, and ill are elucidated, providing the reader with a greater understanding of how to use touch as a tool to communicate with individuals living with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. Massage-therapy students, doctors, nurses, nursing home and extended care facility workers, chaplains, social workers, grief counselors, and all volunteer and family caregivers will benefit from this physical, emotional, and spiritual guide to hands-on comfort and healing.
Dawn Nelson

As the founder of COMPASSIONATE TOUCH® for those in Later Life Stages, Dawn Nelson was a pioneer in the effort to include age-appropriate massage and attentive touch in care plans for the confined elderly and ill. An internationally known seminar leader and touch educator, she is the author of several books, including Making Friends with Cancer, has also produced several award-winning DVD programs. Her book From the Heart Through the Hands: The Power of Touch in Caregiving has been called “essential reading for all caregivers” by Dr. Bernie Siegel.

"Here are the tools for geriatric care and utterly transforming the experience of aging."

– Deane Juhan, author of Job's Body

"A treasure that every caregiver and health professional should read."

– Dr. Bernie Siegel, author of Love, Medicine and Miracles

"A captivating book, derived from years of service. In Dawn’s words I hear a kind heart and sacred humanity that offer deep healing and comfort. Many other voices are incorporated in this profound tell; voices of clients, therapists, families and others who are in the service of or connected to the ill & dying."

– Daniella Prag, Haifa, Israel

"I was looking for a book that would work as a possible text book in my teaching of 'Touch Therapy for the Terminally Ill' and this book far exceeded my expectations. This is so worth the read for everyone!!!!"

– David E. Dowdy, Bakersfield, California

"This moving book is an inspiration to anyone who intuitively knows the sacred nature of caring for the elderly and the ill. Dawn inspires the reader to use intention, touch and gentle massage to provide comfort for and connect with those who are ill, elderly or dying. This book is a jewel as it combines practical approaches with the underlying spiritual nature of the work of caregiving."

– Ann Catlin, Springfield, Missouri

"This beautiful book captures the soul of touch. In my work as a massage therapist with hospice and elderly patients, I return to it again and again. . . But more than this, it deepens my practice with all clients and resonates with the very best of me, enriching all my relationships."

– Robert T. Parker, massage therapist

From the Heart Through the Hands

The Power of Touch in Caregiving

By Dawn Nelson