TCC For Alzheimer’s/Dementia Patients

The following is based on my personal T’ai Chi Chih experience with teaching a group of about ten people (which grew to about 40) – all seniors, most having Alzheimer’s or dementia, in an adult day health care facility. I quickly learned many bits of information during the one-hour, once-weekly classes.

On the first day, the healthcare givers had some difficulty in getting the seniors to the area where I would do the teaching. Some were cooperative which indicated to me that there are different levels of Alzheimer’s and dementia. So I had to pick a level that most would try and understand. I quickly became frustrated in that no one paid attention, would stay seated, etc. I quickly learned that no matter what was being said or done, some would not participate. The majority could not stand by themselves for more than a minute or so. Some could not stand at all. Some did not speak English.

I sought Antonia’s council, and she advised me that the best teachers only had to say, “Copy me,” and that was the beginning of a fantastic, ongoing experience that I will share at the upcoming teacher conference in Oregon. I now have two classes, each with 30 to 50 students. The rewards involved with this type of class are greater than any I’ve ever had before.