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Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention

Instructor Application

Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention (TCAFP) is a program designed by

Dr. Paul Lam, in conjunction with a team of medical experts and Tai Chi

masters. Using the Sun style of Tai Chi, the TCAFP program is easy to

learn, safe, and effective.

Training sponsored by The OASIS Institute with funding support through

the Administration for Community Living (ACL)

_______________________________________________

Applications due February 1, 2016 by 5 pm.

Instructor Training in Jefferson City, MO, March 5 & 6, 2016

Appendix D

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The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports falls as the leading cause of

injury deaths among people ages 65 and older, and they result in significant physical,

personal, social and economic burdens. Falls were the leading cause of unintentional injury-

related deaths in Missouri in 2013, accounting for 466 (43.4%) of the 1,073 deaths. Mis-

souri’s 60+ population represents 20.1% of all Missourians and of this group over 392,000

are 75+. Missouri’s rate of injury by falling is 31% higher than the national average.

Considering Missouri’s large and growing older adult population, falls risk reduction pro-

grams are much needed.

Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention (TCAFP) is a program developed by Dr. Paul Lam. It,

along with other Tai Chi programs offered by Dr. Lam, is proven by medial studies to im-

prove health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Arthritis

Foundations and many other organizations around the world recommend Tai Chi for Arthritis

for Fall Prevention. TCAFP is a worldwide program.

The OASIS Institute TCAFP Instructor Training is supported by grant number

90FP0017-01-00, financed solely by Prevention and Public Health Funds, from the U.S. Ad-

ministration for Community Living, Administration on Aging, Department of Health and Hu-

man Services, Washington D.C., 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government

sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view

or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community

Living policy.

About Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention and the

ACL Grant

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Please join us in the effort to curb the growing epidemic of falls among older adults in

Missouri. The OASIS Institute, along with the Show Me Falls Free Missouri Coalition, the

Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the Missouri State Alliance of YMCAs, the

Missouri Primary Care Association, University of Missouri Extension, and other key stake-

holders will work together in a more coordinated effort to reduce falls in older adults in Mis-

souri.

If you are interested in being an instructor, please complete this packet. All parts of the com-

pleted application must be delivered (mailed or emailed) at the same time to Juliet Simone,

Community Health Manager, before 5 pm Monday, February 1, 2016.

Selected applicants will receive the two-day TCAFP Instructor Training, Tai Chi for Arthritis

DVD, Book: Teaching Tai Chi Effectively, Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention Certificate,

discount on Tai Chi Productions items, and ongoing technical support from Master Trainer

Jim Starshak and Senior Trainer, Ernie Hall and OASIS. Selected trainees will be expected

to offer at least two TCAFP classes between April 1, 2016 and July 31,2017.

The two-day TCAFP Instructor training will be conducted in Jefferson City:

Saturday, March 5, 2016 8:30 Registration begins and breakfast

9:00-5:00pm (lunch and snack included)

Sunday, March 6, 2016 8:30 Breakfast

9:00-5:00pm (lunch and snack included)

Request for Partners and Instructor Information

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Twenty participants will be selected for this training, therefore, invitations will go only to those

who are available for the entire training and who have demonstrated plans to implement the

TCAFP classes in their region.

Expenses covered at training (a total value of ~$600 per participant):

＊ Two-day Instructor training fee ($3,200– total)

＊ TCAFP Instructor Course Materials including book: Teaching Tai Chi Effectively and Tai

Chi for Arthritis DVD ($45 value)

＊ Breakfast, lunch and snacks

Expenses partially covered:

＊ Transportation expenses– mileage will be reimbursed at $.50/mile

Carpooling is encouraged to most effectively use a finite mileage budget.

＊ Lodging and dinner expenses– up to $220 per person will be reimbursed.

Thank you for your consideration of this request; we look forward to working with you in this

very important endeavor. am pleased to be your contact for any questions or concerns

regarding this application or Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention.

Juliet Simone, MPH

Community Health Manager

The OASIS Institute

jsimone@oasisnet.org

314-862-2933 ext 273

TCAFP Instructor Information

Appendix D

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Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention

Project Description

Falling has reached epidemic proportions among older adults in the United States. According to The

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of three adults age 65 years or

older – about 12.8 million adults - fall each year. Every 14 seconds an older adult is treated in the

emergency room for injuries sustained from a fall and every 29 minutes an older adult dies from a

fall-related injury. Financially, falls among older adults may cost the US health care system $59.6

billion by 2020, as the population ages. Falls with or without injury also impact quality of life. A

growing number of older adults fear falling and, as a result, limit their activities, social engagements,

and physical activity. This can result in reduced mobility, depression, social isolation, feelings of

helplessness, and loss of functional fitness, which increases actual risk of falling. This is a public

health problem that is largely preventable, however.

In 2010, the American Geriatrics Society revised its Clinical Practice Guidelines for Prevention of

Falls in Older Persons. They found that a multi-factor program approach, which includes exercise

as a component, is best at preventing falls in older adults living in the community, and they recom-

mend including an exercise program that targets strength, gait and balance, such as Tai Chi, for an

effective intervention to reduce falls.

Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention incorporates a progressive stepwise teaching method that

simplifies and enhances the students’ ability to learn. The method also encourages students through

specific positive feedback and minimal corrections, which enhances their enjoyment of learning the

steps, and creates a sense of achievement. Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention improves bal-

ance both mentally and physically, which can significantly reduce the rate of falls in older

adults. Additional benefits include improving relaxation, vitality, posture, and immunity.

Reminder: The individuals selected for the Missouri training will be expected to teach two

classes between April 1, 2016 and July 31, 2017.

The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of

the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices or organizations imply endorsement by the

U.S. Government.

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Who should attend TCAFP Instructor Training:

＊ Tai Chi teachers or advanced students;

＊ Occupational or physical therapists;

＊ Health professionals (RN, MD, ATC, DC, etc);

＊ Certified exercise instructors or fitness trainers;

＊ Senior Center Instructor, therapist or program director; or

＊ Other individuals with similar health and fitness backgrounds.

Before attending the TCAFP Instructor Training, selected instructors will:

＊ Watch a TCAFP DVD and learn the Six Basic Movements;

＊ Read Dr. Lam’s book, Teaching Tai Chi Effectively, especially chapters 1, 4, and 6;

＊ Sign a waiver and release form before taking part in the TCAFP Instructor Training;

＊ Return the questionnaire to Juliet Simone.

After attending the TCAFPFP Instructor Training, participants will:

＊ Obtain a valid CPR certificate from an accredited course before teaching a TCAFP class;

-Certification must include a “hands-on” skills test for CPR.

-A nationally recognized provider organization is recommended such as the American

Heart Association, American Red Cross, National Safety Council, etc.

＊ Pass the training post-test;

＊ Be able to demonstrate the TCAFP form and its warm-up and cool-down;

＊ Describe practical ways to integrate Tai Chi principles into existing interventions, exercises, and limitations;

＊ Differentiate ways to safely modify Tai Chi movements for an individual’s capacities and limitations;

＊ Demonstrate how to teach Tai Chi, or any other therapeutic movements, using the Stepwise Pro-gressive Teaching Methods;

＊ Describe ways to use sequenced Tai Chi movements to help improve physical and psychological functional performance;

＊ Update certification every two years

-Updated workshops are listed at tchi.org under Workshops/Master Trainers Workshop calendar.

＊ Return the questionnaire to Juliet Simone.

TCAFP Instructor Job Description and Training Expectations

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Selection Criteria

Preferences:

＊ Geographic representation will be taken into consideration. Preference will be given to

sites in regions where there are currently no TCAFP instructors;

＊ Preference will be given to programs with a plan to maintain program affordability and a

plan for sustainability; and

＊ Preference will be given to organizations/individuals with experience offering program-

ming for older adults and adults with disabilities.

All completed application documents must be submitted at the same time via mail or

email by 5 pm on February 1, 2016 to:

Juliet Simone, MPH

Community Health Manager

The OASIS Institute

11780 Borman Dr.; Suite 400

St. Louis, MO 63146

jsimone@oasisnet.org

314-862-2933 ext 273

TCAFP Instructor Application

Appendix D

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Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention Instructor Application

Name of Potential Instructor Title

Agency Name (if applicable)

Agency/Personal Address, City, State, Zip

County or Counties Where You Will Provide TCAFP classes

Email Phone

Below is a brief outline of my experience in the field and qualifications (please include experience of working with older people,

people with chronic conditions, and experience in exercise instruction).

Teaching Capacity– Describe your plans to teach TCAFP for older adults and adults with disabilities at least two times between

April 2016-July 2017.

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TCAFP Instructor Application Continued

Recruitment Capacity-Describe the strategies you will use to identify, recruit and retain participants. Describe how many classes you

envision teaching..

Partnerships-Identify other community organizations and describe how you will work in collaboration with them to implement

TCAFP.

Sustainability– Describe your agency’s commitment to support this initiative and the type of in-kind support it will provide (ie staff

time, training space, office supplies, etc).

Affordability– Do you expect to charge a fee?

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TCAFP Questionnaire for Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall

Prevention Instructor/Leader Certificate:

This questionnaire will need to be presented at the first day of training if you are selected.

Have you learned the basic movements from the DVD?

Have you read the book Teaching Tai Chi Effectively, especially chapters 1, 4, and 6?

Did you know that by doing preparatory work above, you will learn more from the workshop and you are much more likely to receive an instructor/leader certificate?

Have you learned advanced movements?

Dr. Lam created the Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention program together with a team of ____________and ____________experts.

List three ways to improve your Tai Chi:

1.__________________________________________________________________

2.__________________________________________________________________

3.__________________________________________________________________

List three way Tai Chi helps arthritis and fall prevention:

1.__________________________________________________________________

2.__________________________________________________________________

3.__________________________________________________________________

Appendix D

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TCAFP Questionnaire for Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall

Prevention Instructor/Leader Certificate:

List three ways to teach Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention safely:

1.__________________________________________________________________

2.__________________________________________________________________

3.__________________________________________________________________

List two ways to teach Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention effectively:

1.__________________________________________________________________

2.__________________________________________________________________

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Application Form for Instructor/Leader’s Certificate

This form will need to be presented at the first day of training if you are selected.

I, _________________________ declare that I am a:

Tai Chi teacher

Advanced Tai Chi student of ____ year(s)

Physiotherapist or Physical Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Health Practitioner ____________________________________

Accredited/Certified Exercise Instructor

Nurse

Other_______________________________________________

I declare to the best of my knowledge the above statement is true.

I agree that I must have a current CPR certification, a current accredited first aid course or

similar qualification before teaching this program.

I wish to apply for one of the Tai Chi Health Institute Instructor/Leader’s Certificates but am

prepared to accept an Attendance Certificate if Dr. Lam, or his authorized master trainer con-

siders that by the end of the course I am not yet ready. I also understand that the certificate

will need to be updated once every two years.

OASIS, through grant support for this project, will be able to pay a market rate for me to

teach TCAFP classes during the life of the grant (ends July 31, 2017). OASIS will also be

able to support most of the costs incurred to become trained in Jefferson City, MO.

Print name:___________________________________________________

Signature:____________________________________________________

Organization (if applicable):_______________________________________

Date:____________________

Appendix D