Exercise physiology in aged care: Perceptions and acceptability from the perspectives of family members and care staff in the residential aged care environment. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Post, Dannielle; Corlis, Megan; Penington, Alison; Parfitt, Gaynor
• Is Part Of: Dementia. Volume 19:Number 7(2020)
• Page Start: 2152
• Page End: 2165
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: exercise -- Exercise Physiologists -- partners in care -- person centred -- physical activity -- qualitative evaluation -- social -- functional -- cognitive factors; Psychiatric social work -- Periodicals; Social work with older people -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; 362.19683005
• DOI: 10.1177/1471301218816246
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-3012

Abstract

As we age, maintaining physical functionality is important with respect to wellbeing and healthy ageing. For older adults with dementia this may be difficult, particularly in the residential aged care environment. This article reports the qualitative examination of an Exercise Physiologist-delivered exercise programme for residents with dementia. Perspectives related to the perceived impact and acceptability of the programme, as well as barriers to implementation, and delivery of exercise to residents, were sought from family members and care staff through semi-structured interviews. Benefits related to physical and social factors were identified, and perceptions related to who might benefit from exercise were changed as a result of observing residents participate in the programme. These findings support the notion that an Exercise Physiologist-delivered exercise programme, with a person-centred approach, can contribute to improved functionality for residents with dementia