Physical Activities for Clients with Dementia

Examples of physical activities your client may be able to do include:

• Walking (indoor or out).
• Stretching.
• Yoga or Tai Chi.
• Seated Exercises (see side bar).
• Dancing (can be done in a chair).
• Lifting light weights (like soup cans).
• Shopping.
• Light housework.
• Light gardening.
• Active or passive range of motion exercises.

TIPS FOR INCORPORATING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTO EACH CLIENT’S DAY

• Most people need about 30 minutes of activity at least five days a week.  This can be broken up into shorter sessions throughout the day.  For example, you might take your client on a 15 minute walk in the morning and then have her do some sort of housework or gardening tasks in the afternoon.
• Encourage your clients to perform “useful” tasks such as emptying waste  baskets, dusting or folding laundry.
• Your clients may be more eager to walk if you make it fun.  Promise to sing to them as they walk or use that time to tell a few jokes or to talk about the day’s news headlines.
• Pay attention to body language.  For example, if your client seems to want to walk and pace then sweeping the floor would be a better activity choice than sitting down to sort socks. 
• Dancing can be a great exercise.  If your clients enjoy music, encourage them to move to the beat—even if it’s just tapping their toes.  Some movement is better than none at all!
• Make sure you know how much physical activity is allowed for your client.
• For bed or chair-bound clients, ask your supervisor if you’re allowed to perform range-of-motion exercises.
• Keep your clients’ safety in mind at all times.  Make sure they use any assistive equipment that has been ordered for them, such as a cane or walker.