As part of an initiative to advance innovation in the home care field, the SEIU 775 Benefits Group is launching a groundbreaking effort to test approaches to improve the mental health of Home Care Aides.

The SEIU 775 Benefits Group and the University of California – Los Angeles Mindful Awareness Research Center are conducting a research study on the benefits of Tai Chi and Mindfulness Meditation for Home Care Aides. These relaxation activities may help to reduce stress and promote well-being.

In the randomized study, participants are randomly assigned to a Mindfulness Meditation class or a Tai Chi class. Classes are held in October and November in South Seattle

After the classes, researchers will report back findings on which of the approaches worked best for the Home Care Aide population.

About the Mindful Awareness Research Center and Mindfulness

The Mindful Awareness Research Center is a partner of the Norman Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology within the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA. MARC’s mission is to foster mindful awareness across the lifespan through education and research to promote well-being and a more compassionate society.

Mindful awareness can be defined as paying attention to present moment experiences with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to be with what is. It is an excellent antidote to the stresses of modern times. It invites us to stop, breathe, observe, and connect with one’s inner experience. There are many ways to bring mindfulness into one’s life, such as meditation, yoga, art, or time in nature. Mindfulness can be trained systematically, and can be implemented in daily life, by people of any age, profession or background.

In the last ten years, significant research has shown mindfulness to address health issues such as lower blood pressure and boost the immune system; increase attention and focus, including aid those suffering from ADHD; help with difficult mental states such as anxiety and depression, fostering well-being and less emotional reactivity; and thicken the brain in areas in charge of decision making, emotional flexibility, and empathy.

-Mindful Awareness Research Center