Goal: Maintain comfort • Reduce stiffness • Support circulation • Preserve mobility • Reduce agitation

• Short sessions: 5–10 minutes maximum
• Very slow pace
• Instructions kept to one simple step at a time
• Caregiver often demonstrates or gently guides movements
• Stop immediately if there is pain, breathlessness, or fear
• Use chair or bed for full support

Can be done sitting or in bed.

• Open and close hands 5–10 times
• Roll wrists slowly 5 times each direction

• Caregiver can assist
• Roll shoulders forward 5 times, then back 5 times

Purpose: Loosens joints and reduces morning stiffness.

These maintain blood flow and reduce risk of pressure sores.

• Point toes up and down
• 10–15 repetitions

• Sitting: lift one knee slightly
• Bed: bend knee toward body
• 5x each leg

• Straighten knee, hold 2 seconds, lower
• 5–8 times each side

• Lift arms to shoulder level
• What they can do comfortably
• 5 times

Purpose: Preserves strength, movement range, and circulation.

All done very gently, caregiver supported.

• Tilt head slightly to each side
• Hold 5 seconds

• Straighten leg, pull toes toward body
• Hold 5 seconds

• Hands together, reach forward
• Hold 5 seconds

Purpose: Prevents tightening, reduces discomfort, supports posture.

Helps reduce agitation (“sundowning”) and anxiety.

• Gentle hand massage
• Swaying together to soft music
• Slow breathing: in for 3 seconds, out for 4 seconds
• Soft tapping on shoulders/arms for sensory reassurance

Purpose: Regulates the nervous system and reduces behavioural stress.

Only with a strong caregiver hold or walker support.

• Stand for 10–20 seconds
• Return to sitting

• Lift heels while holding support
• 3–5 times

Purpose: Maintains bone and leg strength and prevents worsening balance.

• Never rush
• Stop if there is confusion or fear
• Avoid any exercise if unwell, tired, or in pain
• Provide constant reassurance
• Keep posture supported with pillows
• Best time: morning or after a calm activity
• Keep sessions short but regular

✓ Morning: 5 minutes gentle hands, wrists, shoulders
✓ Afternoon: 5 minutes ankle pumps, leg lifts, arm raises
✓ Evening: 2 minutes soothing movement + calming breathing

Consistency is more important than intensity.

• Reduces agitation
• Helps sleep
• Supports digestion
• Prevents stiffness and pain
• Maintains dignity
• Improves mood and emotional expression
• Keeps some independence for longer