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- STAGE 1
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- STAGE 3 PART 2
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- SUPPORT
- STAGE 5
- STAGE 6
- STAGEE 7
- STAGE 8
- STAGE 9
- A music-assisted routine
- DAILY ROUTINE + MUSIC
Transform Your Life with JUST FOR 2 OF US
Welcome to JUST FOR 2 OF US Health Coaching
Stage 5 Dementia — Exercise Guide
Goal: Maintain comfort • Reduce stiffness • Support circulation • Preserve mobility • Reduce agitation
Stage 5: How Exercise Must Be Adapted
- 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
1. Warm-Up: Gentle Movement (2 minutes)
Can be done sitting or in bed.
Hand & Wrist Movements
- Open and close hands 5–10 times
- Roll wrists slowly 5 times each direction
Shoulder Roll
- Caregiver can assist
- Roll shoulders forward 5 times, then back 5 times
Purpose: Loosens joints and reduces morning stiffness.
2. Chair or Bed Exercises (5 minutes)
These maintain blood flow and reduce risk of pressure sores.
Ankle Pumps
- Point toes up and down
- 10–15 repetitions
Knee Lifts (Assisted)
- Sitting: lift one knee slightly
- Bed: bend knee toward body
- 5x each leg
Leg Extensions
- Straighten knee, hold 2 seconds, lower
- 5–8 times each side
Arm Raises
- Lift arms to shoulder level
- What they can do comfortably
- 5 times
Purpose: Preserves strength, movement range, and circulation.
3. Light Stretching (2 minutes)
All done very gently, caregiver supported.
Neck Stretch
- Tilt head slightly to each side
- Hold 5 seconds
Calf Stretch (Seated)
- Straighten leg, pull toes toward body
- Hold 5 seconds
Upper Back Stretch
- Hands together, reach forward
- Hold 5 seconds
Purpose: Prevents tightening, reduces discomfort, supports posture.
4. Calm Movement for Mood (1–2 minutes)
Helps reduce agitation (“sundowning”) and anxiety.
Choose 1:
- 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.
5. Optional Standing (Only If Safe)
Only with a strong caregiver hold or walker support.
Supported Standing
- Stand for 10–20 seconds
- Return to sitting
Heel Raises (assisted)
- Lift heels while holding support
- 3–5 times
Purpose: Maintains bone and leg strength and prevents worsening balance.
Safety Rules (Very Important)
- 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
Daily Routine Example (Stage 5)
✓ 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.
Why Exercise Helps at Stage 5
- Reduces agitation
- Helps sleep
- Supports digestion
- Prevents stiffness and pain
- Maintains dignity
- Improves mood and emotional expression
- Keeps some independence for longer
Transform Your Life with JUST FOR 2 OF US
Stage 5 Dementia — Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline
(Daily functioning is significantly affected)
Overview
Stage 5 marks a transition:
A person can still communicate, recognise loved ones, and enjoy activities — but memory loss and confusion now interfere with everyday life.
Support is required for most daily tasks, and safety becomes a central concern.
This stage often brings increased emotional sensitivity and changes in independence.
Common Symptoms in Stage 5
1. Significant Short-Term Memory Loss
- Forgets important personal information
- Cannot recall address, phone number, or recent events
- Frequently repeats questions or stories
- May forget what happened earlier the same day
2. Difficulty Choosing Appropriate Clothing
- Needs help dressing
- May layer clothes incorrectly
- Struggles with buttons, zips, or matching outfits
3. Reduced Understanding of Time & Place
- Confusion about day, month, or year
- May not know where they are, especially in new places
- Wandering risk increases in unfamiliar environments
4. Problems Completing Basic Daily Tasks
- Needs help preparing meals
- Needs reminders to eat or drink
- Difficulty managing hygiene independently
- May forget steps in washing, bathing, grooming
5. Noticeable Language Decline
- Shorter sentences
- Trouble understanding complex instructions
- Increased pauses and searching for words
6. Decline in Judgement & Decision-Making
- Unsafe use of appliances
- Difficulty recognising hazards
- Vulnerability to scams
- May make impulsive or inappropriate decisions
7. Emotional & Behavioural Changes
- Anxiety, fear, or sadness when confused
- Anger or frustration during difficult tasks
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Comfort-seeking behaviours: pacing, calling out, repeating phrases
8. Cognitive Fatigue
- Becomes tired quickly
- Overwhelmed by noise or busy surroundings
- Needs more rest throughout the day
Daily Life Impact
Stage 5 affects independence in major ways:
- Cannot live safely without regular support
- Needs help with dressing, bathing, eating routines
- Difficulty remembering new information
- Reduced ability to manage personal responsibilities
- Still recognises family and responds to kindness
- Can enjoy music, conversation, simple routines
How Families Can Support
- Use slow, clear, simple instructions
- Keep routines predictable and calm
- Lay out clothes in order
- Use labels, pictures, and colour-coded items
- Provide hand-over-hand guidance if needed
- Offer reassurance, not correction
- Create a safe, uncluttered environment
- Use Music-Assisted Therapy to reduce agitation and support emotional connection
Safety Considerations
- Monitor kitchen appliance use
- Keep exits secure if wandering risk increases
- Ensure hydration and nutrition
- Supervise bathing and medication
- Reduce noise and overstimulating environments
When to Seek Medical Review
A GP or memory clinic should reassess if:
- Behaviour changes become challenging
- Wandering or safety risks increase
- There is rapid worsening of memory or mobility
- Sleep or mood becomes significantly affected
Professional support helps families prepare for Stage 6 and adjust the care plan.