09/16/2026
I was care partnering for a person living with dementia in their home. They were tired and went to their recliner for a nap. I noticed they were struggling to settle—something we have all experienced in our lives, right? Fidgeting, scratching, rubbing, restless legs and arms, irregular breathing, vocalizations...
I slowly connected using Teepa Snow's Positive Physical Approach® and Hand-under-Hand® techniques, then began providing slow, steady pulses of pressure from my palm into theirs.
Within minutes, their breathing regulated, their body softened, and they peacefully fell asleep. I went and grabbed a thick throw blanket and folded it into a small rectangle and placed it across the front of their pelvis.
Why did it help?
✅ Pressure in the palm is calming
✅ Holding hands gives the sense of safety and support
✅ Weight across the pelvis gives a sense of grounding and security
