Therapy


and wellbeing. In care homes, their role is vital in maintaining mobility and function, reducing the risks associated with physical and cognitive decline.


Promoting mobility and function Therapists are trained to communicate with people in a highly adaptive manner, appropriate to the client’s ability. This enables them to thoroughly assess the person and support them to create meaningful goals for them. They analyse a person’s movements in everyday tasks, such as washing or eating, identifying barriers to independence. These may include physical limitations, cognitive impairment, or environmental challenges. Through a range of interventions, including exercise and changing their routine to make tasks easier, or improve function, people can maximise their independence and maintain their dignity. This not only enhances their wellbeing; it also reduces the load on carers. Mobility is a key determinant of


independence and quality of life in older adults. Therapists assess mobility, gait, posture, and muscle strength, and design individualised exercise and rehabilitation programmes. These programmes aim to maintain or improve ability to walk, transfer, and engage in daily activities. Regular intervention helps prevent


deconditioning, which can occur rapidly in older adults who are inactive. Even small improvements in strength and balance can have a significant impact on person’s ability to move safely and confidently. This in turn reduces the workload of care teams. Therapists are also able to offer advice on


Mobility is a key determinant of independence and quality of life in older adults


appropriate walking or transfer aids. They can educate and support carers in the use of these, reducing the risk of injury to clients and care staff.


Falls prevention Falls are a major concern in care homes and are one of the leading causes of injury, hospital admission, and loss of independence among older adults. One in three over 65s will fall year, according to government figures. Therapists are trained to complete a thorough assessment of falls risks, looking at factors such as blood pressure, vision, and continence. They have a unique set of skills to assess balance, strength, and movement patterns. Through advice, targeted exercise


programmes, mobility aids assessment, and staff education, physiotherapy has been shown to dramatically reduce an individual’s risk of falls. This not only protects residents from injury but also reduces the emotional impact of falls, such as fear of falling, which can further restrict activity.


Pain management and long-term conditions Chronic pain is common among people who live in care, particularly those with musculoskeletal conditions such as


osteoarthritis. Pain is not only unpleasant – it can have a drastic impact on how someone mobilises. Therapists use non- pharmacological approaches, including exercise, manual therapy, and education, to help manage pain. This in turn can have dramatically improve someone’s mood and functional ability. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy


are also essential in the management of neurological conditions such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease. Ongoing rehabilitation can help maintain movement patterns, reduce stiffness, and support functional ability, even in the later stages of disease. Many older adults have a long term


respiratory condition, leading to fatigue and breathlessness. Physiotherapists can support people in managing these conditions, reducing the feeling of shortness of breath and improving their overall fitness, thus reducing distress and improving their independence.


Cognitive and dementia care Both physiotherapists and occupational therapists play a vital role in care homes for people living with dementia by promoting independence, mobility, and safety, while assessing cognition and adapting communication to enable quality of life.


June 2026 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 37


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43