Background Complementary Therapy (CT) is commonly received by patients and caregivers within the hospice setting (Marie Curie. Complementary therapies [Internet]; 2021 April 1) and the Hospice of the Valleys (HOTV) is no exception. Hallmark Greenhill Manor is a 120 single-bedded care home in Merthyr Tydfil and was chosen to pilot the training of social care professionals in a Simple Reflexology based Sequence (SRS) and Tai Chi for Health (TCH). The SRS is a simple foot massage using reflexology based techniques to provide a calming and therapeutic treatment. TCH is a sequence of movements which promotes physical and emotional health and wellbeing.

Aims To deliver a comprehensive training programme for social care professionals with bespoke support materials. To enable the social care professionals to deliver the new skills to residents at Hallmark Greenhill Manor.

Method The SRS training involved an initial 3-hour training session with another 3-hour follow up one month later. The social care professionals were given the opportunity to practice the sequence and receive the treatment themselves; therefore very much a hands-on practical training experience. The TCH training was delivered over five two-hour sessions. The social care professionals were supported to practise at home by providing easy to follow information, as well as a bespoke video for the social care professionals to follow. On completion of the training the social care professionals completed a short questionnaire to provide valuable feedback and outcome measures for the training.

Results Analysis of the questionnaires demonstrated that the training was very relevant, the detail was about right, and their expectations were exceeded or fully met. The most striking feedback was the commitment from 100% of the social care professionals on how they intend to use the techniques with residents at Hallmark Greenhill Manor.

Conclusions A successful training programme to empower the social care professionals to improve the quality of care of the residents at Hallmark Greenhill Manor.