Feedback from a resident of Longview Home in March 2007 suggested that Tai Chi be offered at the Home on a regular basis.
On reflection the Manager Olwyn Cunningham recognised that any effort to reduce falls and increase the mobility of residents was very important.
Tai Chi involves a series of slowly performed gentle movements. The gentle, fluid movements are good for improving mobility, flexibility and balance.
Modified Tai Chi is a style of Tai Chi that has been developed for older adults. It focuses on preventing falls by improving lower limb strength and balance.
The Home’s Recreational Officer set about sourcing an instructor and the Tai Chi classes started within two weeks of the request. The classes within the residential home were at the cutting edge of what is now very common place in the community.
ACC funds Presbyterian Support Central to provide over 13 weekly Tai Chi classes throughout Wellington, Hutt Valley and the Kapiti Coast. Delivered by Presbyterian Support Central’s Community Support staff ACC provided the Instructor workshops which trained people to deliver the ACC funded modified Tai Chi classes that are part of ACC’s Falls Prevention strategy.
The residents at Longview Home are extremely passionate about their class. At Christmas time last year they had te shirts printed and gave a Tai Chi demonstration at the Home Christmas party much to the delight of residents and their families.
Doreen Crawford who originally recommended the classes still attends as does Rona College who is 102. “It is vital that our residents remain mobile and maintain their strength”, notes Olwyn. “Falls have reduced in the past year and many of the participants are activity engaged in other physical activities like gardening, within the Home”.
Community Support Tai Chi classes are held in the following places;
Holy Cross Catholic Church Hall, Miramar Tue & Thurs 11am -12pm
Arlington Apartments Community Hall, Mt Cook Tue 3.30 – 4pm – Thurs 5-6
Kilmarnock Heights Home, Berhampore Tue & Thurs 9.30 – 10.30
Pahina O Tokelau Church, Porirua Mon & Wed 11am – 12pm
Moera Community Hall, Lower Hutt Wed & Fri 2-3pm
St Marks Parich Church, Lower Hutt Wed & Fri 10-11am
St Marks Parich Church, Lower Hutt Wed & Fri 11-12pm
Alicetown Community Centre Tue & Thurs 12pm
Hapai Club, Upper Hutt Mon 1.30pm & Wed 9am
Paraparaumu Memorial Hall Mon & Wed 10-11am
Waikanae War Memorial Hall Mon & Wed 11.30 – 12.30pm
Kapiti Yoga in Daily Life Centre Tue 1pm – Fri 11.30am
Class criteria
• aged 65 years or older (55 years or older if Maori or Pacific)
• living independently in the community
• have had a fall in the last 12 months, or if not had a fall, deemed to be at high risk of a fall by a registered health professional
• assessed to ensure that you are not in the small percentage of people who are too fit or too frail for the class. (This assessment occurs once you have made contact with you local provider).
Classes are free if the participant attends the two classes held each week for 20 weeks.
For more information contact
Liz Inch
Communications Coordinator
Presbyterian Support Central
Email: liz.inch@psc.org.nz
Phone: 04 439 4927
Fax: 04 472 5396
Mobile: 027 563 6237
