Since the summer of 2024, Dhara M., MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PCCN has been working with the Hartwell Place community to introduce a new activity – Tai Chi. Dhara is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Loyola University, her alma mater. Her focus is on Systems Leadership, to improve organizations’ healthcare systems, leading to enhanced patient care and better health outcomes. Prior to beginning her DNP program, Dhara completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a Master’s in Nursing to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Dhara is associated with both Advocate Health and UW Health.
“I enjoy my work as a nurse. I love helping others, especially the most vulnerable members of our society – children and older adults. As an FNP, I have been able to work with people of every age, across the lifespan, focusing on continuity of care and long-term relationships,” says Dhara. “With my DNP, I’ll get to work with organizations to improve entire systems of care.”
In her current study, Dhara seeks to learn how Tai Chi can aid in preventing falls in an assisted living memory care facility. Fall risk increases as we age, and falls can be serious for older adults, resulting in permanent injuries. Additionally, dementia further affects mobility and balance and, therefore, increases a person’s risk of falling.
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that has evolved various forms and practices over the years. One version of Tai Chi includes gentle, low-impact movements connected with deep breaths. Tai Chi can help older adults with dementia maintain mobility, build physical awareness and mind-body connection, and improve balance. Tai Chi is an accessible physical activity that requires no equipment and can be done seated or standing.
Dhara obtained certification to lead Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention from the Tai Chi for Health Institute. Not only is she leading Tai Chi sessions with Hartwell Place residents three days a week, but Dhara is also training the Hartwell Place team to lead the Tai Chi sessions themselves. By empowering staff with these skills, Dhara is facilitating systems change and promote sustainability. She is also working with the team to increase knowledge of fall risk, dementia, and how to intervene to prevent falls. “We want to promote independence for these older adults but also, keep them safe.”
Dhara will graduate from her program later this year, but she hopes her work at Hartwell Place will continue after her. “I feel like there is such a stigma around assisted living and memory care communities and that overall, our society doesn’t always trust these places. But Hartwell Place is such a homey and welcoming community, there is so much care here. And one of the best ways to prevent falls is to have a care team that really knows the residents. That’s this team, they really understand and care about the residents of Hartwell Place.”
