The Alaska Palliative Massage Initiative (AKPMI) is committed to improving quality of life through compassionate, skilled massage therapy. We serve individuals facing complex medical conditions, life-limiting illnesses, and geriatric challenges, while providing essential support to their caregivers. By addressing the profound impacts of loneliness and touch deprivation, we aim to restore dignity, foster connection, and promote holistic well-being for vulnerable populations across Alaska.

  • Geriatric massage therapy is a specialized form of massage tailored to the unique needs of older adults. It focuses on improving circulation, reducing pain, easing stiffness, and promoting relaxation, all while considering the physical limitations and health conditions common in aging. Techniques are gentle, slow, and adaptable, often incorporating light pressure, stretching, and joint mobilization to enhance mobility and overall well-being. This therapeutic approach not only addresses physical discomfort but also provides emotional comfort, helping seniors maintain a higher quality of life and fostering a sense of connection and care.

  • Palliative massage is a gentle, specialized form of massage therapy designed to provide comfort and support to individuals facing chronic illnesses, advanced age, or end-of-life transitions. Unlike traditional massage, which often focuses on deep tissue manipulation or therapeutic goals, palliative massage prioritizes relaxation, relief from discomfort, and emotional well-being.

  • Hospice massage is a specialized form of therapeutic touch designed to bring comfort, ease, and emotional support to individuals in hospice care. Focused on gentle, non-invasive techniques, it helps alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, and promote connection and relaxation during the end-of-life journey. Hospice massage is highly adaptable, meeting the individual right where they are and can be provided wherever the person is most comfortable. Clients do not need to remove any clothing for this type of massage.

  • Palliative and hospice massage is provided in the setting where the client feels most at ease. I travel to private homes, assisted living facilities, or other care environments to offer treatment, ensuring comfort and continuity of care.

  • Palliative & Hospice massage is highly adaptable and is provided wherever the client is most comfortable, whether in a bed, wheelchair, or recliner. Palliative & Hospice massage is often performed while the client is fully clothed. There is no need to expend all of that extra effort to benefit from massage therapy.

  • In home hospice & palliative massage starts at $150 per 90 minute visit. This visit includes massage for the individual receiving palliative or hospice care as well as their caretaker. If you are in need of sliding scale pricing, please do not hesitate to reach out.

  • While some insurance companies will reimburse for massage, currently Medicare does not.

Research has shown that massage can effectively reduce anxiety and depression, offering profound benefits during challenging times. In a time of life where touch is often clinical, impersonal, or even distressing, palliative and hospice massage provides a unique opportunity to create moments of peace, comfort, and connection for clients and their families during end-of-life care. With individualized and flexible care plans, each session is thoughtfully tailored to meet the client’s needs in the present moment, meeting them where they are.