Complementary Therapies


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Complementary Therapies are different techniques that can be used along with conventional medical care to provide comfort to patients.

Montgomery Hospice and Prince George’s Hospice strives to provide the best possible care for our patients and families. In addition to conventional medical care, we offer the following holistic therapies and services for comfort and symptom relief. These services are available to patients wherever they are treated: at home, in facilities, and at Casey House. These therapies include:

Touch Therapies

Palliative Massage Therapy – therapeutic massage techniques used where clinically indicated to relieve pain, muscle tension and other specific symptoms. Provided by Licensed Massage Therapists specially trained to modify touch appropriately to work with hospice patients.

Comfort Touch® – a nurturing form of touch designed for elderly, ill or frail patients. This gentle touch technique soothes the nervous system, easing stress and promoting deep relaxation. Provided by Licensed Massage Therapists and trained volunteers.

Lavender Oil Hand Massage – an accessible means of stress relief combining the soothing aroma of Lavender and the comfort of touch. Provided to patients and caregivers by staff and trained volunteers, using a special blend of Jojoba oil and Lavender essential oil.

Reiki – a gentle energy technique involving hands placed lightly on or just above the body to promote relaxation, comfort and a sense of well-being. Provided by staff and volunteer practitioners qualified through Montgomery Hospice and Prince George’s Hospice.
nurse massaging patient

Music Therapy

Music Therapy – the use of live or recorded musical interventions to address specific therapeutic needs of a patient. Examples include singing, lyrics analysis, active music listening, or song-writing. Provided by Board-Certified Music Therapists.

Threshold Choir – small ensembles of volunteer singers bring peace and comfort to the terminally ill through a cappella singing. Gentle voices, simple songs, and sincere kindness soothe and reassure patients and family.

Music at the Bedside – use of music to bring peace and comfort. Volunteer musicians play a variety of musical instruments for patients and families. Volunteers are also available to listen together with patients to favorite recorded music. Customized playlists can be created from our extensive music library.

Reverie Harp – small stringed instrument designed to be used with patients for comfort and healing. Peaceful and calming, Reverie Harp music often accompanies Tea Time at Casey House.

Montgomery Hospice and Prince George’s Hospice uses music in many ways for our patients. We have a Board-Certified Music Therapist on staff who uses musical interventions to achieve specific goals of an individual patient. We also provide music through voice and instruments in order to bring joy, peace and comfort.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy – use of pure essential oils from plants to ease symptoms and enhance well-being. Aromatherapy products developed by staff clinical aromatherapists may be used in patient care in addition to traditional medications. Montgomery Hospice and Prince George’s Hospice Clinical Aromatherapists are Registered Nurses certified by the Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy.​

hand aromatherapy

Animal Companionship

Animal Companionship – Volunteers bring their certified pets (dogs and cats) on their visits, offering comfort, tactile stimulation, and unconditional love. These pet visitors, qualified through community certifying organizations, bring incredible joy to animal lovers.

Animal companionship therapy