I make hospital, hospice and nursing home visits on a regular basis. I am reminded daily of the Words of Jesus, found in the last chapter of Mark, in Red Letter in some of our bibles - These signs shall follow those that believe, ....they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. In that example, prayer was not even mentioned.
So I touch folks, hand-shakes, hold hands during prayer, some form of contact.
Another simple reminder is to acknowledge others, accept them and affirm them. - Hey, I notice you. I like you, and I like the things that you do.
I think this is good for him as well as for me. It lets him know that he is needed and useful, and the mere touch "touches" spots not touched by words, I think. Pray for us!