The Power of Touch – an ally in dealing with Alzheimer’s disease

Rayma Scalzo

We are so pleased to have Sonja Basler speak to our Alzheimer/Dementia Caregiver Discussion Group on Saturday, October 17 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Sonja received her Massage Therapy education from the nationally accredited Southwest Institute of the Healing Arts (SWIHA) in Tempe, Arizona, where touch therapy is a main focus of training. Besides graduating with a specialization Certificate in Myotherapy, Sonja’s training also encompassed Medical Massage as well as specialized training in Manual Lymph Drainage Massage.

Sonja has both personal and professional experience with Alzheimer’s disease and will be sharing the benefits of massage therapy for both the caregiver and the patient.

The topic of Sonja’s presentation is The Power of Touch – Massage Therapy – an ally in dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. This is a meeting you won’t want to miss!

We have another group, The Saturday Group, which provides respite care for those having Alzheimer/Dementia disease. It meets at the same time at a nearby location. This group allows the caregiver the opportunity and peace of mind to attend the discussion group. It is run by two PebbleCreek volunteers who have experience in this field. They want to make this time away as comfortable and stress free as possible. If your loved one is unable to participate in such a group, they may be able to arrange for someone to come to your house during the two hour meeting. Please RSVP by October 14 for this special group.

Our group provides information, resources and comfort for those residents who are caring for loved ones who have Alzheimer’s or any type of dementia. They could live in the home, at a local care facility or out of state.

New Activity: We’re excited about a new activity for the caregivers. We now meet for breakfast on the first Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m. This gives the caregivers an opportunity to get to know each other on a more personal level. Knowing others who are going through the same journey is very helpful.

For more information and location of these activities, please contact Rayma at 623-935-1819 or send an email to  [email protected].