Top 5 Functional Exercises to Support Fall Prevention in Care Homes
Discover the top five functional exercises to reduce falls and improve balance, strength, and mobility for older adults in care homes.
Discover the top five functional exercises to reduce falls and improve balance, strength, and mobility for older adults in care homes.
Keeping residents active is not just about exercise, it is about promoting independence, confidence, and quality of life. Small, consistent movements can make a big difference. That is why our Move More and Totter in Care Home programmes focus on functional exercises; simple, everyday movements that help older adults stay steady, strong, and safe.
Below are five key falls prevention exercises that can easily be introduced in care homes to support mobility, balance, and overall wellbeing.
Purpose: Builds leg strength and improves balance.
How: Residents practice rising from a chair without using their hands, progressing from higher to lower seats as confidence grows.
Why it matters: This movement mimics daily activities such as getting up from bed or a toilet, which are common moments of instability and potential fall risk. Practising sit-to-stand regularly enhances functional strength and postural control.
Purpose: Improves gait stability, coordination, and proprioception.
How: Residents walk in a straight line, placing one foot directly in front of the other, heel to toe. Use a wall or rail for balance if needed.
Why it matters: This simple walking drill trains balance and awareness, reducing the likelihood of trips and falls during daily movement.
Purpose: Strengthens lower limbs and improves dynamic balance.
How: Residents step up and down on a low platform, exercise step, or stair, with support from a stable surface or rail if required.
Why it matters: Step ups prepare residents for real-world movements such as climbing stairs, stepping onto curbs, or getting into vehicles. It is a safe and practical way to build strength and coordination.
Purpose: Builds ankle and core stability, improving balance and posture.
How: Stand on one leg while lightly holding onto a chair or countertop. Alternate legs and gradually increase the duration as strength improves.
Why it matters: This exercise reduces sway and improves stability during transfers, turns, and other daily activities, directly lowering fall risk.
Purpose: Enhances trunk control, flexibility, and spatial awareness.
How: Residents reach for objects placed at different heights and directions, then turn safely to return to a seated position or starting point.
Why it matters: Many falls occur when turning or reaching. These exercises simulate real-life actions such as reaching for a shelf or turning to sit, building confidence and coordination.
Movement has the power to transform daily life in care homes — not only physically but emotionally too. When residents feel stronger and steadier, they gain confidence, connection, and a greater sense of independence. Even a few minutes of purposeful activity each day can foster achievement and joy.
For care teams, integrating falls prevention exercises can be simple. These movements can be built into morning routines, group sessions, or informal moments throughout the day. It is not about perfection; it is about progress and building a culture where movement is encouraged and celebrated.
At iCareiMove, we are passionate about helping care homes make movement safe, fun, and meaningful for every resident. Our wellbeing programmes are designed to reduce falls, improve strength and balance, and support active ageing for all.
If you are looking for expert support to bring falls prevention training into your care home, get in touch with our team today.