Scroll down to view workshop descriptions, schedules, and links to register.

Direction Home Akron Canton offers a variety of proactive Health & Wellness workshops that are designed to keep aging individuals healthier longer. How? By teaching them how to better manage their current diseases and symptoms, and reduce falls by gaining strength. Our programs offer innovative, evidence-based disease prevention/health promotion education with curriculums developed by a team of physicians, biologists, public health researchers and educators.

But the best part? All workshops are FREE and open to the public. Workshops are held either in-person or virtually on Zoom. Registration is required to attend (available in the workshop calendar details). For our upcoming class schedule, click our Workshop Calendar button. Or, keep scrolling to learn more about how to become a volunteer leader or host site.

Summit Co Residents: A select number of Summit County residents may be eligible to receive a free computer device for class participation. Recipients will be able to keep the device after a virtual Tai Ji Quan class concludes. (Virtual class requirements: a computer with speakers and a webcam (to ensure participants are safely learning the forms).  To easily ask questions during classes, using the microphone on your computer is also recommended; there is a chat feature to type questions if needed. Room space should be a minimum of 10'x10' and free of any trip hazards (throw rugs, cords, pet toys, etc). A sturdy chair that does not roll or swivel.)

WORKSHOP

DATE & LOCATION (click on date to register)

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention helps people with or without arthritis to improve balance, both mentally and physically, helping to significantly reduce the rate of falls.

Other benefits include improving relaxation, vitality, posture, and the immune system. Studies have shown that tai chi can reduce falls by nearly 70%. The program focuses on building confidence, which is linked closely to the reducing the risk of falling. 1-hour classes meet twice per week for 8 weeks and include:

  • Warm-up and cool-down exercises
  • One or two movements per class, progressively leading to completing six basic core movements and six advanced extension movements
  • Breathing techniques
  • Tai chi principles relating to improving physical and mental balance

Because the workshop gradually builds strength and complexity, it is recommended to attend a minimum of 12 of the 16 sessions.

Watch an Informational Video

January 22 - March 30, 2024
Call Center to register: 330.626.2398
Streetsboro Senior Center (1951 Annalane Dr., Streetsboro)
PREVIEW DATE: January 8th, 2024  9:15-10:15 am
Monday's & Wednesdays 9:15-10:15 am
NO CLASS: February 19th, February 21st
**Last date to join class: February 2nd
Instructor: Anita Gontkovsky

February 6 - April 9, 2024
North Canton Civic Center (845 W. Maple St., North Canton)
Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00-11:00 am
NO CLASS: March 7th, March 19th, April 4th
**Last date to join class: February 15th
Instructor: Lori Smith

 

Bingocize

 

Bingocize is our newest evidence-based workshop that combines the classic BINGO game with exercise and information about nutrition, and/or falls prevention. Bingocize is led by a trained workshop leader twice a week (60 minute sessions) for 10 weeks. Win prizes, make new friends, and get healthy today! Because the workshop gradually builds strength and complexity, it is recommended to attend a minimum of 15 of the 20 sessions. 

Watch a demo video

Virtual Class Requirements: a computer with speakers, webcam, and microphone. Bingocize web-based app will be available after registration.

New workshops coming soon - stay tuned!

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes help caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for a friend or relative.  PTC is co-led by two trained volunteer coaches who will share strategies to reduce stress and deal with the difficult emotions family caregivers experience.  PTC meets once per week for 90-minutes over six weeks. Each caregiver will receive The Caregiver Helpbook as a helpful resource. Registration to virtual workshops will close 1-1/2 weeks prior to the first sessions to allow time to receive materials. To gain the most benefit from the information shared, it is recommended to attend a minimum of 4 of the 6 sessions.

Virtual Class Requirements: a computer with speakers, webcam, and microphone.

New workshops coming soon - stay tuned!

We are looking for Host Sites and Volunteer Leaders to help us share these programs! Is that you?

Choose any of our evidence-based workshops - Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, Bingocize, and Powerful Tools for Caregivers. 

Benefits to becoming a Host Site or Volunteer Leader:

  • New and fun ways to reach your older adult population!
  • Direction Home covers the cost of leader training and class materials.
  • Ongoing support from Direction Home.
  • Compensation for Host Sites and Volunteer Leaders.
    • Host sites can receive a one time $50 stipend for the use of their space and an additional $50 per workshop completer (participant attending a minimum of 75% of the individual sessions in a full workshop).
    • Volunteer leaders can receive $50 for each session led in a full workshop.

CLICK HERE to request information about becoming a volunteer leader.

CLICK HERE for details and requirements for becoming a Host Site or Volunteer Leader.

Interested in attending, leading, or hosting any of these programs? Contact Lori Smith, Training Coordinator at lsmith@dhad.org or 330.899.5255 for more information.

 

Web-Based Education for Seniors and Caregivers:

Contact Theresa Niewiadomski at tniewiadomski@dhad.org for information about the Active Daily Living website.