Why strength matters at home
Everyday independence depends on strength more than most people notice. Standing up from a chair or toilet, carrying shopping in from the car, stepping into the shower, climbing the front steps and getting up after sitting on the floor all ask the legs, hips and trunk to do real work.
When strength drops, people tend to do less, and doing less makes the next drop easier. Strength work is one way to break that cycle. It does not need a gym, and it does not need to be hard or sweaty to be useful.
What an exercise physiologist does at home
Accredited exercise physiologists are university-qualified allied health professionals who use exercise to help people manage health conditions and stay active. At home, an Alera EP will usually:
- Listen first. What does the person want to keep doing, or get back to? Gardening, walking to the bus stop, playing with grandchildren?
- Check health first. Medical history, medications, any conditions such as heart, lung, joint or bone health issues, and how the person feels on the day.
- Watch everyday movements. Getting up from their own chair, walking in their own hallway, using their own steps.
- Build a program around the home. Exercises use what is already there: a sturdy chair, the kitchen bench, a step, and sometimes light bands or weights.
- Progress gradually. The program changes as the person gets stronger, with the effort kept at a level they can manage.
Our guide to what happens at a first EP visit at home walks through the first session in more detail.
Physio or exercise physiologist for strength?
Physio often comes first when pain, a new injury, a recent fall or a hospital stay is the main issue. EP often suits once the goal is building and keeping strength, and many clients use both. We compare the two roles in exercise physiology vs physiotherapy for Sydney seniors and explain the pathway in physio first, then EP at home.
What strength work at home can look like
Every program is individual, but common building blocks include:
- Sit-to-stand practice from the person's own chair. See sit-to-stand at home.
- Step-ups on a bottom step with a rail or bench for support.
- Heel raises holding the kitchen bench, for calf strength and balance.
- Supported walking practice in the hallway or garden, building distance gradually.
- Light band or weight exercises for arms and shoulders, to help with carrying and reaching.
A typical session might start with a short warm-up, such as marching on the spot while holding the bench, then move through two or three of these exercises with rests in between. The EP watches how each one feels and may change the height of a chair, the number of repeats or the amount of support. Families are welcome to watch so they know what the routine looks like, and the EP can note the exercises on a simple sheet kept somewhere easy to find, such as the fridge.
Exercises are chosen and supervised by the EP. Please do not start a new exercise program without advice from a health professional who knows your situation.
Keeping it going between visits
Strength builds with regular practice. The EP may leave a short, simple routine to do between visits, with clear instructions the person and family can follow. Wherever possible, the same EP returns each visit, so progress is compared against where the person started. See why seeing the same clinician matters.
Support at Home, private clients and DVA
When exercise physiology or physiotherapy clinical supports are authorised under Support at Home, Alera Healthcare can deliver those sessions at home as an associated provider working with the registered organisation that holds the plan. Alera is not a registered Support at Home provider, and the client stays with their current provider and their care manager at that registered provider.
Private clients and families can enquire directly, and DVA clients are welcome to ask about eligibility on enquiry. Alera has provided mobile physiotherapy and exercise physiology across Sydney Metro since 2011, with visits available any day, including Saturdays. We do not offer occupational therapy or NDIS services.
Next step
Wondering whether physio or an EP is the better start for building strength at home? Book a 15-minute call to talk it through, or visit our referrals page if you are a care manager.
Call 040 55 77 555 or email admin@alerahealthcare.com.au.
FAQ
Can older adults really build strength at home?
Many can. Strength exercise can be done at home using a chair, a step, the kitchen bench and light equipment, with a program planned and progressed by an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist to suit the person's health and goals.
How often does an exercise physiologist visit for strength work at home?
It depends on the person's goals, health and energy. The EP agrees a schedule with the client and adjusts it as strength improves.
Do I need gym equipment for in-home exercise physiology?
No. Programs are built around what is in the home, such as a sturdy chair, steps and a bench. The EP may suggest light bands or weights if they would help.
Can Alera provide exercise physiology under Support at Home?
When exercise physiology clinical supports are authorised in the client's Support at Home plan, Alera can deliver them at home as an associated provider working with the registered provider. The client keeps their current provider and care manager.
Who can enquire about in-home EP with Alera?
Care managers at registered providers, private clients and families can all enquire. DVA clients can ask about eligibility on enquiry. We do not offer occupational therapy or NDIS services.