About the Alaska Palliative Massage Initiative (AKPMI)

Welcome to the Alaska Palliative Massage Initiative (AKPMI), a compassionate and forward-thinking effort dedicated to addressing the profound need for human connection and therapeutic touch among vulnerable populations. Our mission is to provide gentle, skilled bodywork to individuals navigating complex medical conditions, life-limiting illnesses, and geriatric challenges, as well as their caregivers. By bringing massage therapy directly to patients and their caregivers in homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice wards, we aim to enhance quality of life, foster connection, and alleviate the burdens of isolation and loneliness.

The Crisis of Loneliness and Touch Deprivation

Loneliness and touch deprivation have reached epidemic proportions, particularly among older adults and those facing serious illness. Research has shown that chronic loneliness carries health risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, increasing the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, depression, and cognitive decline. Similarly, touch deprivation, the absence of meaningful, non-medical human contact, can lead to heightened stress, weakened immune function, and a diminished sense of belonging.

Human beings are biologically wired for connection; touch is our first language, a source of comfort, safety, and emotional well-being. Yet, for many elderly individuals and those in medical or end-of-life care, touch becomes solely clinical and impersonal. AKPMI seeks to restore the transformative power of touch, offering not just physical relief but also emotional solace and a renewed sense of dignity.

Our Mission

AKPMI is committed to:

• Providing compassionate, skilled massage therapy to individuals facing complex medical conditions, life-limiting illnesses, and geriatric challenges.

• Supporting primary caregivers by offering seated massage in the same location as their loved ones, recognizing the physical and emotional toll of caregiving.

• Combating the loneliness epidemic by fostering connection and belonging through therapeutic touch.

Our Approach

In its initial phase, AKPMI will focus on delivering in-home massage therapy to individuals in need, as well as visiting assisted living facilities and hospice wards in hospitals. Our services will extend to both patients and family caregivers, ensuring that the entire care ecosystem is supported.

Our Vision for the Future

Over the next several years, AKPMI aims to expand its impact through the following initiatives:

1. A Network of Traveling Therapists: Employing a team of massage therapists to provide services to recipients in nursing homes and private residences.

2. A Dedicated Wellness Center: Establishing a brick-and-mortar location where AKPMI-employed therapists can offer relaxation massage to family and professional caregivers, creating a sanctuary for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

3. A Bereavement Support Program: Providing monthly massage therapy at no cost to family caregivers for one year following the loss of a loved one, offering ongoing support through the grieving process.

Why Touch Matters

Touch is more than a physical act, it is a profound expression of care, empathy, and humanity. By reintroducing compassionate, non-medical touch into the lives of those who need it most, AKPMI seeks to address the root causes of loneliness and touch deprivation, promoting holistic well-being for individuals and their caregivers alike.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Together, we can create a community where no one faces illness, isolation, or grief without the healing power of touch. Whether you are a caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply someone who believes in the transformative power of human connection, we invite you to support AKPMI in bringing comfort, care, and compassion to those who need it most.

For more information or to get involved, please contact us through the form below!