Falls at Stourbridge care home halve after Tai Chi classes

28 December 2023

Eleanor LawsonBBC News, West Midlands

News image — Oriel Care Home has seen a 50% reduction in falls since introducing Tai Chi classes for residents

BBC Residents doing Tai Chi — Oriel Care Home has seen a 50% reduction in falls since introducing Tai Chi classes for residents

Falls at a care home have halved since residents began learning Tai Chi.

The sessions at Oriel Care Home in Stourbridge started in May to support people's balance and movement.

The 45-minute classes, which are held three times a week and also cover yoga, breathing and relaxation techniques, are said to have transformed lives.

Leonard Passey, aged 88, who has suffered several falls in recent years, said: "I definitely feel safer when I walk."

The Chinese form of martial arts known for its slow, intentional movements and positive impact on health and wellbeing was introduced by activities coordinator Gary Fowkes.

"Many of our residents struggle with their mobility and we know, as people get older, they are more likely to have falls and trips due to this," he said.

"The gentle, yet effective practices of Tai Chi have had a positive impact on our residents' strength and confidence in and out of the home."

Gary Fowkes said the classes were having a positive impact on residents' strength and confidence

Mr Passey said he felt a lot more confident since starting the classes.

He said: "I used to do Tai Chi before my wife become ill, so it's really good that I can continue with it as the exercise really does help me day-to-day.

"I've even put in a request for a one-to-one class with Gary."

Mr Fowkes used to work on the stroke unit at the Rowley Regis Hospital, where physiotherapists showed him how to support people with limited movement and how to help them improve their strength.

Residents doing Tai Chi — The classes also cover breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as yoga

"On a personal note, I got into Tai Chi at my local gym and I was amazed at the positive impact it had on my body and mind," he said.

"I loved it so much that I decided to train in it so that I could introduce Tai Chi to the residents here at the home - I'm pleased to say, nearly all the residents come to the classes."

Mr Fowkes is now studying Qigong, a form of gentle exercise and breathing techniques linked to Tai Chi, and hopes to introduce this to the home once he is certified.

Home manager Kerry Turner added: "As a community care home, we do our best to keep residents fit and well to reduce the number of visits to the GP and where possible, doing our bit to reduce pressure onto the NHS - particularly in the lead up to winter."