These reasons are indicative of why I decided to schedule an appointment with a massage therapist within a week after Mom's death. Since my regular massage therapist had moved out of town, I was in search for someone who would help me relieve the pent-up stress that had been building up during the last few months of Mom's life. I also needed to begin the transition to grieving by allowing my physical body to relax and by letting my emotions emerge. I knew that experiencing touch through bodywork would begin that transition.

So two days after Mom's passing, I had lunch with my friend, Sondra. During that lunch, I asked Sondra for a recommendation for a massage therapist. Sondra's face suddenly brightened, "I didn't know what to do for you, but now I do. I'm giving you a gift certificate for a massage."

I'd encourage you to take Sondra's lead and provide this valuable gift to a caregiver who is taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's. It's a valuable gift that provides time for the caregiver to relax and focus on their own physical and emotional health.

For more information on massage therapy

http://www.massagetherapy.com/learnmore/benefits.php