Lisa Braaten, LMT

Compassionate Touch for Memory Care Residents

Hello, my name is Lisa Braaten, and I am honored to have the opportunity to care for your loved one. My mission is to bring peace, comfort, and dignity to those navigating memory loss by offering therapeutic touch that soothes the body, calms the nervous system, and nurtures the spirit. Every session is approached with empathy, respect, and deep reverence for each individual's story.

With 37 years in healthcare and 28 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist, I have specialized experience in caring for those at their most vulnerable—especially in memory care, hospice, and end-of-life settings. My work is deeply personal, having cared for my grandmother with Alzheimer’s and walked alongside my mother in her final days. I strive to bring the same love, comfort, and dignity to every person I touch.

  • Massage designed for comfort wherever your loved one is—whether they are in a wheelchair, seated in a room chair, or lying down in their own bed. I do not bring a massage table but instead meet them exactly where they are most comfortable.

  • Gentle, non-invasive techniques such as petrissage (light kneading), effleurage (soothing gliding strokes), and gentle craniosacral therapy to promote relaxation, ease muscle tension, and calm the nervous system.

  • Massage helps improve circulation, which is especially important for individuals who have limited mobility or spend much of their time seated or lying down.

  • Soothing effects including reduced agitation, anxiety, and physical discomfort.

  • Short sessions that work within your loved one’s attention span and daily rhythm.

  • Consistency and trust from a practitioner who understands memory loss firsthand.

What Families Can Expect

With 35+ years of experience in massage therapy and patient care, I specialize in providing comfort-focused massage for elderly and hospice.

My mission is to enhance comfort, reduce pain, and offer emotional support through comfort-focused massage therapy. I am deeply passionate about using therapeutic touch to improve quality of life, particularly for elderly and hospice patients. My background spans hospice, home care, and private practice, where I have consistently strived to bring dignity, peace, and presence to those in need. I am now focusing on opportunities where I can apply my experience to geriatric, palliative and end-of-life massage in settings where I can make a meaningful, healing impact.

I am also experienced in providing compassionate care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, including professional support for patients and personal caregiving for my grandmother during her progression with the condition.

Professional Experience

Licensed Massage Therapist/Personal Assistant

Independent Contractor 2020 – Present

     • Provided therapeutic massage for an individual with autism, focusing on sensory integration and emotional regulation
     • Specialized in massage therapy for a client on the autism spectrum, adapting techniques to support sensory and emotional needs.
     • Delivered personalized massage therapy to an autistic individual, promoting relaxation and body awareness.
     • Became a certified GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) practitioner, exploring the connection between gut health and brain function, and integrating nutrition as a supportive tool in the healing process

Massage Therapist

Independent Contractor | Health Essentials Chiropractic 1997 – 2020

     • Created customized massage techniques to improve circulation, reduce anxiety, and enhance quality of life.
     • Worked closely with caregivers, nurses, and medical teams to ensure holistic, patient-centered care.
     • Specialized in therapeutic massage for clients recovering from auto accidents, sports injuries, and work-related injuries.
     • Experienced in treatment protocols for soft tissue rehabilitation and pain management.
     • Collaborated with chiropractors, physical therapists, and insurance providers to support recovery plans and documentation for worker’s compensation  and personal injury claims.
     • Developed personalized treatment plans to address acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions

Touch Therapy Practitioner

Private Home Care 1997 – 2020

     • Provided individualized, in-home massage therapy for hospice patients with a focus on comfort, dignity, and emotional support.
     • Delivered compassionate touch therapy tailored to each patient's physical condition and emotional needs during end-of-life care.
     • Focused on enhancing comfort, dignity, and quality of life through tailored, patient-centered care

Home Health Aide

Hospice of Seattle 1993 – 1997

     • Provided compassionate, end-of-life support for patients in home and hospice settings.
     • Assisted with daily living activities including mobility, hygiene, feeding, and comfort care.
     • Offered emotional support to patients and their families during final stages of life.
     • Worked closely with hospice teams to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care
     • Integrated therapeutic touch and calming presence to promote peace and dignity

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Crista Ministries 1990 – 1993

     • Provided direct patient care, assisting with mobility, hygiene, and comfort in a healthcare setting.
     • Developed strong interpersonal skills in elder care and patient advocacy.
     • Supported medical staff with hands-on caregiving to ensure patient well-being.
     • Bath Aide for Alzheimer’s unit