NURSING CARE GERONTIC FULFILLMENT SAFE AND COMFORTABLE FULFILLMENT OF NEEDS WITH FOOT REFLEXOLOGY MASSAGE THERAPY FOR ELDERLY HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of hypertension is significantly correlated with demographic aging and increased exposure to behavioral risk factors, such as high-sodium, low-potassium consumption patterns, and lack of physical activity. One way to treat hypertension is with foot reflexology therapy. Elderly individuals are individuals aged sixty years and above. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when systolic and diastolic blood pressure consistently increase above 140/90 mmHg, while normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg or lower (Ekasari et al., 2021). Objective: To obtain an overview of nursing care for hypertensive respondents by providing foot reflexology therapy to lower blood pressure so that the need for safety and comfort can be met. Methods: This study used a case study method with descriptive analysis of 2 respondents who received foot reflexology therapy. The intervention was given twice a day for 20 minutes for 3 days. Results: After undergoing foot reflexology massage therapy, respondent I experienced a decrease in blood pressure from 154/95 mmHg to 150/94 mmHg and respondent II from 154/100 mmHg to 137/100 mmHg. This shows that foot reflexology massage therapy can lower blood pressure so it is hoped that respondents can apply foot reflexology massage therapy as a non-pharmacological therapy to lower blood pressure.