'Seniors Wellness' program launches in the Okanagan

The Okanagan has a dynamic retirement population. In fact, it is well known as one of the most sought after regions in Canada for retirees looking to enjoy an active and healthy retirement lifestyle. This is why the region was recently chosen to be the launching center for a brand new Seniors Wellness Practitioner Diploma program from Wellness In Hand Training - the first of its kind in North America!

Canada is moving to an “aging in place” senior care model - one that encourages seniors to remain in their homes and out of the healthcare system, for as long as possible. However, the fact that the life expectancy of Canadians has increased means a lot of seniors will be living longer, but not necessarily living better! The emphasis must shift to supporting and empowering seniors to flourish in their homes and to help them improve their quality of life. But, this is where the challenge comes in. Our current healthcare system is based on an “acute care” model - one that deals quickly with severe injuries and episodes of illness. It’s not setup to help with prevention or wellness support for seniors. The good news is that the new Seniors Wellness Practitioner is there to provide the benefits of compassionate touch, quality time with the senior and to help them develop and implement a customized wellbeing strategy.

The Seniors Wellness Practitioner Diploma program is recognized by the Senior Wellness Alliance of Canada and is completed in 4 months. 80% of the training is conducted online and the students attend two, five-day intensive in-class sessions. Graduates of this program will visit seniors in their homes or care residences once per week for a one-hour session to offer chair massage, as well as VitalityPlus coaching to support each client to experience maximum wellbeing.

The pilot program will launch this fall in Kelowna. And, those students who enroll in the Wellness in Hand Chair Massage Program in September qualify to be part of the pilot program - completely free. Those interested can attend a live webinar with Wellness in Hand president, Bob Hanley, on August 22. To register for the webinar, or for more information, visit the Wellness in Hand website http://wellnessinhand.org or call 1-800-792-0452.