Still Building Bridges: The Touching Story of “Rigger” Nichols

by Kaima Nelson-Bowne

If you want to know how something works, “Rigger” is the one to ask. Why aren’t the birds singing this morning? How do I build a house? What is that bright light in the evening sky? How do I build a bridge so that it stays up? The ways of the physical world, the natural and built environment make sense to him. If he doesn’t know the answer to your question he will figure it out.

Richard Nichols, better known as Rigger, even has a hunch as to why he developed ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. For the last five years, Rigger has been dealing with the symptoms of ALS.

His entire life has been one of seeing and doing with his hands; applying innovative solutions in a design-and-do-it-yourself way. He collects and loves tools. His body has been his major tool and his appropriate nickname attests to that.

Now he cannot use his arms and hands. Lifting his head is difficult and the prospects are not optimistic. Mentally he is quick and bright. His home is filled with innovative devices that he has designed, enabling him to live as normally as possible: pulleys, supports, levers, lifts, high and low stools, chairs that turn into couches and installations for massage. Even though he can no longer assemble them himself, he designs and supervises the work performed by one of his many handy neighbors.

Working since he was 14 years old, Rigger, now 75, would still be working if he had the physical capacity to do so. During his 60-year-long career he has been a farmer, house and silo builder, rigger, welder, electrician, real estate agent, fisherman, organizer of outreach services to homeless people, lover of nature and people.

Rigger lives at home and is supported by Shirley Grandsbury, his live-in caregiver. Rigger has been receiving hospice care since February 2008 by a team of caregivers and volunteers, who just love him to pieces. And he loves
them! Hospice support services have made a significant difference in the quality of his life.

Rigger doesn’t respond to conventional medications very well and takes as little as possible. Therefore, hospice looked for solutions that would enhance his comfort. Touch therapy has proven to be one that he finds very beneficial in reducing the pain, cramping and stiffness that are his constant companions.

When Rigger first began to receive massage therapy he could not lift his head. His jaw was so tight that he could not chew food. He drank his meals. Following a few massage sessions he could lean his head back. He could open his mouth wide enough to receive food, chew and swallow. Once again he was able to go to summer picnics and share a meal of beans, potato salad and hot dogs with his friends. Beats Ensure!

For some hospice patients, movement can be difficult and minimal. With effective touch, the blood circulation is enhanced, muscles relax and warm, joints become more flexible, movement is eased and comfortable, anxiety and stress diminish. In order to expand hospice’s capacity to bring touch therapies to their patients, a special program had to be developed.

It has been my privilege to develop our “Palliative Touch Program” which gives massage therapy to hospice patients. This program will also provide training to hospice Home Health Aides and LPNs so they can incorporate this welcomed service with their patients on a needed basis. We were very fortunate to have received a $10,000 grant from The Community Foundation for South Central New York to help fund this valuable program.

You may be wondering about Rigger’s hunch as to why he got ALS. He was hit by lightning and jolted 15 feet to the ground off a pyling rig. There is some evidence, although not definitive, linking ALS with lightning. In the meantime, hospice will continue to care for and love Rigger. Every possible form of support that helps him maintain his quality of life and vital spirit will be provided.

Kaima Nelson-Bowne, BA, LMT is a Massage Therapist for Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care.