Massage Therapy Program
Our Standing Oaks residents receive Massage Therapy every three weeks. According to the Massage Therapy Foundation (https://massagetherapyfoundation.org) there are numerous benefits to massage therapy for the medically fragile: It can relieve pain and reduce the need for pain medications; enhance physical comfort; facilitate healing/recovery from wounds and orthopedic surgery; increase tolerance to chronic therapies such as ventilator, gastric feedings and IV nutrition, and increase socio-emotional engagement through the positive sensations generated by human touch.
Pictured here is our therapist Jody Adams; RMT who enthusiastically provides the therapy to the residents in the comfort of their own bedroom.
A Message from our Instructor
Hi, my name is Tracy Tobin, a local artist with a background career in developmental services supporting adults with special needs for over 20 years.
Art has frequently been my way to engage individuals whether through sing song, dance, fashion, paint, clay, marker, water play, food play, etc. Giving participants a voice & individuality through expression and creation, building social interaction skills and community, enhancing communication, and working on motor skills maintenance.
My goal in the Hands-on Art program with the assistance of volunteers and myself; is to provide a theme or project idea & the materials required in many various possibilities, so that each artist’s piece of work is unique… showcasing their abilities in choices and adaptive tool techniques, all while promoting self-esteem, inclusion, and fun.
We will continue producing amazing works of art in numerous forms to hopefully sell/fundraise, keeping this program available to the residents and to even assist with funds for any other items the residents of Standing Oaks need/want providing the best quality of life possible.
I am so grateful to be working alongside such motivated and creative individuals. Thank you for having me.
Retired 2023
My name is Sue Bendall and I have had the privilege of teaching the Hands on Art Program for the past 8 years. My background is a specialist in the field of Deaf-blindness where using a total communication approach and adapting activities to meet the needs of individuals with varying abilities is second nature. I can’t ever remember a time when I was not creating art in some form. I feel very honoured to work with such a dynamic group of artists.
