02/11/2026
Regular physical activity, specifically activity that promotes better balance, upper body mobility as well as leg and foot strength, is a proven defense against a serious fall.
At ProTem Memory Care and Andrews Senior Care, we work proactively to help our residents put their best foot forward when it comes to fall prevention by focusing on these types of exercise in our fitness classes.
“If you don’t use it, you lose it,” said Amanda Shea, activity director at ProTem Memory Care. “Moving our ankles and our feet is often something we often overlook so we try to include it in absolutely all our exercises. Having poor strength in your feet is actually one of the number one reasons for falls.”
Amanda works exclusively with residents living with dementia, so her fitness program is tailored to meet their needs. She often masks exercise as something fun, knowing residents will be more likely to engage if it’s cardio drumming, tai chi, yoga or Zumba.
“That’s my sneaky way of doing it,” she said. “I try to make it very engaging, really fun and sometimes short-lived. Sometimes our exercises can last 45 minutes and other times 10 to 15. I read the residents, read the room. I always want them to feel successful so I don’t want them to tire before it’s done.”
Regardless, the goal is the same.
“Having that physical strength to catch yourself and hold yourself upright is of utmost importance,” she said.
Briana Matthews, assistant activity director at Andrews of Stratford agrees.
“It’s really important for this demographic because as we age, we tend to lose muscle mass and just overall balance,” she said. “Maintaining that level through exercise and certain exercises focused on that is very important to help reduce the risk of a fall.”
Briana, a fourth-year kinesiology student at UPEI who previously worked with Spinal Cord Injury P.E.I., leads fitness classes along with activity direct Sharon Woods-Bryenton. The programs at all our Andrews homes follow a similar blueprint focused on low impact resistance exercises targeting the whole body including but not limited to, leg extensions, toe taps, weighted presses, and other chair-based mobility exercises.
One of the best exercises for core and lower body strength is the squat. However, the exercise can be challenging so moderated versions can be used depending on the person’s mobility, existing leg strength and overall comfort.
“If the ability were there, I would recommend squats,” she said. “That’s a real-life movement that translates well. If you think of getting up and off the toilet or in and out of a chair or out of a bed, the squat movement very closely mimics that.”
Whatever the exercise, the most important part is its real-life carryover.
“We are just trying to replicate real life movements and keep going,” Briana said.
Exercises classes at all our homes are available for residents a minimum of three days a week, often more.
