Specialist dementia and gentle touch therapy

Providing comfort, calm, and connection through tailored massage in care homes for residents living with dementia in Ladywell and across South East London.

The language of touch for dementia care

When someone is living with dementia, words can become confusing, unfamiliar, or lost altogether. However, touch remains a language the body never forgets. At Massage With Erin, I offer specialist, dementia-informed massage – a gentle, seated, fully clothed therapy designed not for deep tissue release, but for comfort, calm, and connection.

This is not a standard relaxation massage. It is slower, lighter, and responsive to the person in the moment. Research shows that gentle hand, head, and foot massage can reduce agitation, ease 'sundowning', and lower distress in people with dementia. My work is rooted in this evidence and in eight years of experience inside care homes and day centres.

Tailored gentle touch techniques

My approach is very light, slow, and gentle. Sessions can be fully clothed and are typically seated in the individual's own chair. The sessions are unhurried, responsive to the person's state in the moment, and focused on building a trusting relationship and person-centred care to bring the client into a deeper state of ease.

Obtaining consent

I always start from the assumption of capacity — a key principle in dementia care. Consent is an ongoing, nonverbal dialogue. I watch for active, voluntary participation, ensuring the person is comfortable and willing throughout the session.

Working with advanced dementia

I can work with someone who has advanced dementia, even if they are bed bound or in a wheelchair. All my sessions are seated or lying down and often fully clothed, though this is will vary according to mobility and areas worked on, I adapt my approach to the needs of the individual. For someone bedbound, I might focus on hands, lower arms, feet, or shoulders – whatever is accessible and comfortable for them.

Information for care homes and families

Session length and frequency

For group sessions, I usually spend 10–15 minutes with each resident or carer, providing a fully clothed massage, usually in a chair.

For more in-depth sessions with residents, I recommend booking an hour. These would be more private sessions and could be done in a bed with clothing optional. These are more multi-sensory sessions focused on building connection and trust, as well as touch. Expect around 30–45 minutes of that time to be spent actively massaging; this will vary depending on the individual and their unique preferences/needs. I recommend weekly or fortnightly visits – regular, short sessions are more effective than occasional long ones for promoting relaxation and building trust.

To discuss or arrange a trial session for your care home click here

Session environment

I can work in a lounge as long as the person is comfortable there. A quieter corner is helpful, but I am used to background noise. What matters most is that the person feels safe – not that the environment is perfect.

Family presence

Family members can be present during the session. However, some clients may want to interact with their loved ones and find it harder to switch off and relax. I welcome family members to sit nearby, and they may want to enjoy a chair massage too. I can even show them a technique or two they can use between my visits.

Massage for Carers

There is a great benefit in the carers receiving massage alongside the residents.

Contact Erin to Book