Walfinch's clients get their stretch on with Chair Yoga classes

“Some clients asked if we could enable them to do yoga,” says Shilpi Verma, Managing Director and Registered Manager of the Walfinch home care service. “I have been doing yoga for 12 years so I asked my teacher if she could provide an online class for our clients. She agreed, and it's now available online free of charge to any of our clients, their families and their carers, every week.
 
“Many are less mobile, so it's seated yoga with the emphasis on breathing, stretching and relaxing,” says Shilpi. “Clients have told us that the deeper breathing has helped them relax and feel less anxious.”
 
US studies have found that chair yoga has led to improvements in anxiety and may be beneficial in improving mobility and reducing fear of falling. Other studies have shown that yoga can help with stress, pain, fatigue, joint lubrication and balance.
 
One family member said: “Mum really looks forward to this every week.” Now 20% of Shilpi's clients are joining in, and next of kin and pregnant carers have got involved too. One 58-year-old client, who is looked after by her 80-year-old mother said: “It's made it easier for Mum, who is my full time carer, although she can't help joining in sometimes.”