Reflexology and Dementia Care: Creating Moments of Calm, Comfort and Connection
- Tanya
- Nov 27
- 3 min read
Caring for someone living with dementia can be incredibly rewarding, but it also brings emotional and physical challenges. Families often seek gentle, supportive therapies that ease stress, promote wellbeing, and create meaningful moments of connection. Reflexology is one such therapy — and for many families, it becomes far more than a treatment; it becomes a safe, soothing space where calm is restored and relationships are nurtured.
Recently, a family shared this lovely feedback after bringing their mum for a session:
“Mum absolutely loved her treatment and couldn’t stop talking about how lovely Tanya was, and I agree.”
For them, the session wasn’t just relaxing for their mum — it became a moment of comfort and warmth shared by the whole family.
How Reflexology Can Support People Living With Dementia
Reflexology uses gentle pressure on specific points of the feet to encourage relaxation and support the body’s natural balance. For individuals living with dementia, this calming touch can bring meaningful benefits.
🧠 Reduced Stress and Anxiety
A growing body of research suggests that reflexology and similar touch-based therapies can help reduce agitation and stress in people living with dementia.
Study Summaries
A review of multiple studies found that gentle touch therapies, including reflexology, consistently helped reduce agitation, restlessness, and anxiety in people with dementia. The calming, repetitive nature of touch was shown to support emotional regulation and decrease distress behaviours — especially in later-stage dementia.
Another study focusing specifically on reflexology found that sessions led to measurable reductions in stress, tension, and discomfort. Participants showed lower levels of anxiety and demonstrated more relaxed body language after treatments. The researchers suggested that reflexology may help activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of the body responsible for rest and recovery.
A study carried out in care homes explored how reflexology and massage affected residents living with dementia. Staff observed improvements such as:
calmer mood
fewer agitated behaviours
increased engagement and responsiveness
moments of emotional connection
The study also highlighted how touch-based therapies can help individuals feel safer, more grounded, and more comforted — particularly those who may find verbal communication difficult.
😴 Improved Sleep Quality
Many people living with dementia struggle with disrupted sleep. Reflexology’s calming effect on the nervous system can help support more settled rest. Families frequently report that their loved one sleeps better on the day of, or after, treatment — something strongly associated with reduced agitation and better emotional balance.
😊 Enhanced Mood & Emotional Wellbeing
Human touch triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. This can help lift mood, ease irritability, and promote a sense of comfort and emotional safety. For people living with dementia, this emotional soothing can be just as important as the physical relaxation.
🌿 A Greater Sense of Calm, Grounding & Safety
The familiar, predictable rhythm of reflexology can be deeply grounding. Many clients show signs of immediate relaxation: softer facial expressions, slower breathing, and a release of physical tension.
For someone who may feel confused, overwhelmed, or disconnected, these moments of calm can have a lasting impact.
💛 Meaningful Moments of Connection
One of the most powerful aspects of reflexology is the connection it creates. Even when speech becomes difficult, touch remains a universal language. Families often describe shared sessions as:
peaceful
bonding
heart-warming
emotionally restorative
It’s often these moments of connection that families treasure most.
A Holistic, Person-Centred Approach
Every reflexology session is tailored to the person’s emotional, physical, and cognitive needs, ensuring:
a gentle, respectful pace
sensory comfort
a calm and familiar environment
supportive communication
Reflexology supports not only the individual, but also their carers — who often carry high levels of stress and responsibility.
If You’re Caring for Someone With Dementia…
If you’re exploring therapies that help your loved one feel calmer, safer and more connected, reflexology can be a beautiful addition to their wellbeing routine. Whether offered at home, in care settings, or during individual treatments, reflexology provides small but powerful moments of peace and connection.
Thank you to the family who kindly shared their experience — your words capture exactly what reflexology aims to bring: comfort, dignity, and warmth.
May the rest of your day be everything you need it to be.
Tanya x
