Chair Chi: Aged Care

[chris]

A recent experience working in the aged care sector here in Melbourne, Australia.

So far I have delivered two Chair Chi workshops in the aged care sector. One for a nursing home and one for a retirement village. Next week I have two more sessions booked so my workshops are starting to take off.

And what a pleasure it is in working with elderly people.

It was fun and inspiring not only to share the Chi exercises but also the wonderful conversations and stories during the session.

When I arrived at one place an elderly lady, in her seventies, motioned with her hand to come over and sit next to her. And in ten minutes before the session started she told me her life story which was fascinating to listen to.

In these sessions I ‘ve learned that it’s not all about the exercises, though they are important and that’s why I am there. The important thing is to spread good Chi by engaging with the residents which requires listening, sharing stories, patience, humour and empowering them with skills that they can manage to practice.

I can’t wait until the next session. It should be fun.

For more posts on Tai Chi http://chrischi.com.au/

[chris]

Hi Rafique

All the best with the Care Home project. I hope it is successful.

Regards
Chris

[Dr. E. Mohamed Rafique]

Dear Chris,

A few months ago, I left my work in Delhi, and came down to Kerala to start an age old home. Though my old plans which are at http://hompeace.blogspot.in/ has since then changed, there has been some progress, thanks to friends of mine joining along with me. We are now in the process of acquiring land for the Care Home, and registering ourselves as a private limited company. I hope to follow your experiences and learn in due course.

With best wishes,

Rafique

[chris]

Thanks Dr Suresh.

Yes, it must be difficult living with the elderly and addressing their day to day needs. I haven't experienced that so I have a lot of respect for those who do so.

Regards
Chris

[Dr. Suresh Sundar]

Great work !

Working as a professional and offering the needed services to the aged population, is indeed a satisfying experience.

However, living with the elderly (in the same home) and actually addressing their day to day medical, social and psychological needs, is a different challenge, altogether, and needs extraordinary patience, tact and a real thick skin to face unexpected criticism.

With best wishes,   

[chris]

Hi Rituu

Thanks, I've had a look at the clip. Very interesting.

Regards
Chris

[chris]

Hi Namura

Thanks for your comments and it's great to hear of your work with the elderly. In the Chair Chi sessions for the elderly I have done so far has been a very rewarding experience. Yesterday, after a session, one resident walked past me and placed his hand on my shoulder in appreciation. It's moments like that makes it all worthwhile.

The elderly have the wisdom and stories to share that can make a difference to others and are a wonderful human resource. As you know, an inclusive approach, regardless of age and ability has the potential to make significant changes for the better. Keep up your good work and I'll be interested in hearing about your progress with the elderly.

Regards
Chris

[NAMARA ARTHUR ARAALI]

Hi Chris,

I am happy and mesmerized by similarities among our older persons despite the geographical differences. Thank you for your interest is this very special group. Sometimes we think that this group of people need only soap and sugar. Our experience here and like yours show that letting them talk to someone, share their story is equally very important. Our interactions with them led skills building workshops in age specific Income Generating activities like you are doing. Using CLCP here in Entebbe Uganda, they have started to realize their strengths in advocating for thier share in life. They have realized their strengths in fighting HIV/AIDS. Others have have started referring their colleagues for care.  Indeed as you realised; it inspiring to interact with with this group of persons. Visit us on our Face Book page HENU - Health Nest Uganda for more information on what we are doing with our senior citezens. I am happy to learn more about whatyou are doing.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Hi Chris,

I wanted to share some work by members of this platform.

Namara from Uganda has worked with elderly population on HIV in Uganda. Here watch a video http://aidscompetence.ning.com/video/clcp-to-promote-inclusion-of-o...

Zoneziwoh from Cameroon organised an event called MAKE MAMA VISIBLE, an honorary walk race to bring aging mothers in the rural villages of Cameroon to the spotlight as athletes and entertainers.