The purpose of the Living Well Workshop is for people with long-term, or chronic health conditions to feel better and feel less restricted in their day-to-day activities. The class is participatory and is designed around mutual support. Activities build confidence over six weeks.

Format

  • Small group workshop
  • 2 1/2 hours per session
  • 1 session per week for 6 weeks

This is an “evidence-based” program, developed over time at Stanford University.  It is used across the planet in medical settings, community clinics, hospitals and neighborhood-based organizations.  These classes are free.  The classes are funded by the Next50 Initiative, supporting new community initiatives  for the older adult population and their caregivers.  The classes are also open to younger persons with chronic health conditions.

Participants

  • People with different chronic health problems attend together.
  • 12 – 16 participants per workshop

Subjects Taught

(Note: Participants make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve problems they encounter in creating and carrying out their self-management program. Physicians and other health professionals both at Stanford and in the community have reviewed all materials in the workshop.)

  • Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation.
  • Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
  • Appropriate use of medications
  • Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
  • Nutrition
  • Decision making
  • How to evaluate new treatments