Bernie McCarthy

I was working in the tech industry, travelling all over the world when I came to realize that my work did not offer the personal fulfilment or balanced lifestyle that I really wanted. I chose to pursue a career where my efforts could genuinely improve someone’s day and so undertook a diploma of Massage Therapy. Taking three years to complete whilst working fulltime, it set me up for a complete career change.

After several years working as a Sports and Remedial Massage Therapist, I decided to transition into the aged care sector, where I recognised a growing need for compassionate, hands-on support. This led to the creation of my first business, Comfort Touch Massage, dedicated to providing gentle, supportive care to enhance wellbeing in aged care settings.

After several years working as a Sports and Remedial Massage Therapist, I decided to transition into the aged care sector, where I recognised a growing need for compassionate, hands-on support. This led to the creation of my first business, Comfort Touch Massage, dedicated to providing gentle, supportive care to enhance wellbeing in aged care settings.

Many of my clients were living with dementia and I wanted to gain as much knowledge as possible about this devasting disease, it’s impacts and the best way to care for and connect with someone living with dementia. This inspired me to complete a Postgraduate Diploma and begin a Master’s in Dementia Care.

The blending evidence-based knowledge with my hands-on experience working with people living with dementia has given me a unique set of skills. I know what works, what the latest research is saying and the daily impact of this disease. I saw a gap and this led to the creation of Memory Box, offering education for whānau and care staff, in-home support for those wishing to remain independent and continuing with massage.