dementia

Well, I delivered my first Chair Chi session for a dementia unit at an aged care centre.

As mentioned in the previous post Chair Chi: Dementia Unit – Part 1 it was the first time I worked with a roomful of residents with dementia. And it was no different to the many high care Chair Chi sessions I have run in the past.

Most of the residents did what they could as I always encourage them to do so – this focus helps empower and build self-esteem for those who have limited movement. The feedback I received afterwards was positive as the residents, staff, and volunteers enjoyed the session

I’ve been asked to come back again and work with this group for my next Chair Chi session at this particular aged care centre so I’m looking forward to it.

It’s always a good feeling after a Chair Chi workshop – there’s something positive that happens in each workshop for both the residents and myself.

At one of my regular Chair Chi sessions for an aged care centre here in Melbourne, Australia, I’ve been invited to run a session for a dementia unit.

I have worked with residents who have mild to severe dementia but this will be the first time I’ll be involved with a specific group.

So far I’ve run over 350 Chair Chi workshops for low care and high care residents, trained staff in how to run Chair Chi sessions in Melbourne, Bendigo, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and am currently finalising a report on a Chair Chi Plus Pilot study I delivered at Berwick Craigcare Aged Care.

The more experiences I have, such as working with a dementia group, the more effective I can be in working with residents and staff.

And besides the experience, it’s also very enjoyable work.