Massage for people with Dementia

Dementia care is changing. As our population ages, dementia has become one of the most pressing and important health care issues facing the developed world.  Health care professionals now recognise the huge importance of holistic care as complementary to pharmacological treatment.

Recent research has shown that massage can greatly improve some of the difficult symptoms that those living with dementia may face. 
This is a very exciting opportunity to participate in this Federation of Holistic Therapists accredited course. We will provide you with the necessary skills and confidence to treat and support this hugely rewarding group. You will be involved in a leading and innovative health care system which believes in person centred care and providing the very best resources for this growing client group. 

This course will examine:

  • What is Dementia
  • Types of Dementia and their stages
  • Symptoms of Dementia
  • Progression and Treatment
  • Client Care
  • Therapist Care and Caution
  • How to enable your client to be understood and heard
  • How to deal with behaviours which challenge
  • Liaising with Staff and Family
  • Consent
  • Current Research
  • Preparation for Treatment
  • Massage Routines
  • How to adapt a massage depending on treatment needs and side effects
  • Self Care
  • You will learn a safe routine with no of few contraindications And so much more……..


The course will be theory and practical based and the content has been selected to suit the scope of therapists wishing to work in a clinical setting, care or residential setting, community setting as well as those wishing to include this client group in their private practice. 


This course has been written and developed by Lynn Gatherer and Rachel Black.

Lynn is an experienced therapist who has specialised in Dementia Care and has spent many years working in the care home setting.

Rachel is an experienced therapist and lecturer in the field of clinical massage and continues to maintain onsite experience within Scotland’s specialist hospitals. 


This is an advanced course for qualified massage therapists who are wishing to develop their skills further. 
This course will consist of pre course reading, study and preparation, one day contact day of training at The Glasgow School of Massage and then three/four day home study and assignment writing.


You will be assessed both formally and informally during your course. You will be required to submit 3 x 3 client case studies as well as 3 essays and a class presentation/talk. Full support will be given for all these assignments. 


Course Fees; £300  includes all course materials and unlimited post course mentoring by phone or email. FHT accredited 

We can also train your staff on site. For groups or colleges please contact us at info@theglasgowschoolofmassage.com.