Regular exercise is beneficial to everyone

Many studies have shown that exercise and exercise programmes can reduce the risk of falls. One review found exercise, especially balance and functional training, reduced the number of falls by almost one quarter.

Exercise can also be great fun. There are physical, social and emotional benefits, which in turn can improve quality of life. (1)

Think about how you can help residents stay active, for example a short walk into the garden; even if this requires assistance, residents should be supported to remain mobile if possible. Some of the exercises below may be suitable for the residents of your care home, depending on their individual level of ability. Build up slowly and aim to gradually increase the repetitions of each exercise over time.

Supervision may be advisable, especially for standing exercises. If the resident experiences any pain, please stop and seek advice from a GP.

NHS: Strength exercises

Use the above link to access information on the below exercises: 

  • Leg Extension - Strengthens the hip bones and muscles at the back of the thigh. Helps with stair climbing, seating and recovery from floor.
  • One Leg Stand - Improves balance. Reduces risk of falls and fractures.
  • Arm Raises - This builds shoulder strength. Helps with 'reaching' activities e.g. dressing.
  • Calf Raises - Strengthens calf muscles, ankles and toe joints. Improves walking and reaching.
  • Sit To Stand - Strengthens leg muscles. Helps to reduce the risk of falls.
  • Side Hip Strengthening - Strengthens the hip bones and muscles at the side of the hip. Improves everyday actions such as stepping sideways and over objects.
  • Front Knee Strengthening - Exercises the hip muscles. Stabilises the knee joint. Helps with walking and stair climbing.
  • Knee Raises - Slow marching in the chair lifting knees as high as possible. Strengthens hips and thighs.

Regular exercise improves: independence and quality of life, posture, immunity, appetite, mood and memory, sleep pattern and socialising.

Regular exercise reduces: dependence and isolation, obesity, constipation, incontinence, falls and fractures, breathlessness, anxiety, depression and stress.

(1) Sherrington et al. Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019

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For office use only: Version 5 HPD_TS024 Publication date: May 2026