Gentle care for seniors, in the comfort of home.
Darlene Dary is a Registered Massage Therapist with 30 years of experience caring for older adults. She comes to your home for gentle massage, reiki, exercise, activities and companionship, adapted to each person.
To book, call Darlene780-853-7454
- Registered Massage TherapistDiploma, Alberta Massage Training
- 30 years in seniors' careRecreation Therapist, Continuing Care
- Insured, First Aid & CPRInsured through NHPC
- Receipts for insurancePrices include GST and travel
Compassionate support, tailored to you
Darlene adapts every visit to the person in front of her: their health, their energy that day, and what they enjoy.
-
Therapeutic massage
Registered Massage Therapy at home to ease pain, stiffness and stress. Gentle, senior-focused techniques are available.
-
Reiki energy healing
A calm, light-touch practice that encourages deep relaxation and a sense of balance.
-
Guided exercises
Safe, adapted movement to build strength, balance and mobility, designed around each person's abilities.
-
Recreational activities
Games, music, crafts and conversation, drawing on thirty years of recreation therapy in continuing care.
-
Companion care & caregiver breaks
Friendly, capable company for your loved one, so family caregivers can take a few hours, or a whole day, to rest. This is often called respite care.
Gentle care for changing bodies
As we age, skin becomes more delicate, joints stiffen and getting out to appointments gets harder. Massage for older adults uses lighter pressure, supportive positioning and shorter sessions where needed, so it stays safe, comfortable and calming.
Sessions are also helpful for anyone recovering from surgery or living with limited mobility.
Massage styles that suit older adults
Gentle senior massage
Also called geriatric massage. Light pressure, shorter sessions of 30 to 45 minutes, and supportive body positioning to protect fragile skin and bones.
Swedish massage
Long, gentle, gliding strokes that boost blood flow, ease muscle stiffness and promote deep relaxation. Therapeutic techniques are applied as required.
Chair massage
Given sitting upright and fully clothed. Ideal for anyone who can't lie flat on a massage table, including those in a wheelchair or recliner.
Better circulation
Gentle touch helps blood flow through the body.
Pain relief
Eases stiff joints and sore muscles caused by arthritis.
Less stress
Soothing strokes lower anxiety and encourage relaxation.
Improved sleep
Softer techniques help older adults fall asleep and stay asleep.
Why in-home care works well for seniors
- No travel. No driving, parking, transit or getting in and out of a car.
- Familiar surroundings. Being at home lowers anxiety, especially for people living with dementia.
- Support for recovery. Care continues when mobility is limited after an illness, fall or surgery.
- Family can be close by. Caregivers are welcome to stay, share health history and ask questions.
- Privacy and comfort. Treatment happens in your own space, at your own pace.
“I specialize in adapting care to each client's individual needs.”
Darlene Dary, RMT
Darlene brings thirty years of experience working and training as a Recreation Therapist in Continuing Care, together with her training as a Registered Massage Therapist. She knows how to make care feel safe, respectful and personal for older adults and the families who support them.
- Registered Massage Therapist
- Diploma in Therapeutic Massage, Alberta Massage Training
- Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity Studies, University of Regina
- 30 years as a Recreation Therapist in Continuing Care
- Athletic injury training
- First Aid & CPR certified
- Insured through NHPC
What to expect
Enjoy the benefits of massage therapy without the hassle of travel. Darlene handles all the setup and take-down. You simply relax.
Phone to book
Call Darlene at 780-853-7454 to book. She'll talk through needs, health history and goals, and find a time that works.
Darlene arrives
She comes 10 to 15 minutes early to set up and ask a few questions about your health.
Your session
Tell Darlene anytime if something feels too firm or uncomfortable. She will adjust right away.
Receipt provided
Receipts are issued for reimbursement through extended health benefits.
What Darlene brings
- Professional portable massage table
- Fresh, clean linens for each session
- Quality massage oils and lotions
- Face cradle, pillows and bolsters for proper positioning
- Calming music (optional)
What you need
- Room for the table (about 6′ × 3′) plus space to move around it, roughly an 8′ × 10′ area
- A comfortable room temperature
- A quiet space. Phones on Do Not Disturb helps.
Simple, all-in pricing
Common questions
Can I book for my mother or father?
Yes. Family members are welcome to call Darlene on someone's behalf, and to be there during the visit if that helps your loved one feel at ease.
What if I can't lie down on a massage table?
That's fine. Chair massage is done sitting upright and fully clothed. Darlene will find a position that is comfortable and safe for you.
Is massage safe with arthritis or other health conditions?
Tell Darlene about any health conditions and medications when you call. She adjusts the pressure, position and length of each session to suit you.
Will my insurance pay for it?
Darlene gives you a receipt after every massage that you can send to your extended health plan. Coverage depends on your plan, so check with your provider.
What do I need to get ready?
Just a quiet room with space for the table and a comfortable temperature. Darlene brings the table, clean linens, pillows and everything else.
How long is a visit?
Massages are 45 minutes or one hour. Companion care can be booked by the hour, for half a day or for a full day.
Phone Darlene to book
All bookings are made by phone. Call Darlene Dary at 780-853-7454 to book an appointment or a free phone consult. Family members are welcome to call on someone's behalf.