Home Support Exercise Program

This in-home 12-week program produces measurable results for older adults who can’t attend a community exercise class.

Ideal for frail older adults wanting to improve their strength, balance, mobility and endurance by exercising at home.

You are a good candidate for the program if you are:

65+ years of age and frail
Able to follow instructions and complete exercises independently
Living in your own home or a retirement home
Unable to attend a free community exercise class
Not currently receiving physiotherapy

This program is offered free of charge through the generosity of our volunteers and donors.

How the Program Works

Over 12 weeks our trained volunteers will take you through a series of standardized exercises chosen for their effectiveness by the Canadian Centre for Aging and Activity. No special equipment is required.

Volunteers will visit once a week, and you’ll be expected to complete the exercises on your own a few times a week while recording your progress.

Our professional staff team also provides ongoing support to both clients and volunteers throughout their time together and can help clients access additional programs as their needs change.

Results

The payoff is huge! 91% of participants improved their strength and balance by the end of the 12 weeks. 100% of participants loved the motivation provided by their volunteer (not a surprise to us, our volunteers are the best!). Participants also reported feeling more confident walking, moving around the house, and had more energy.

Program Criteria

HSEP clients may display characteristics that include the following:

Older adult (65+) living in own home or in a retirement home;
Declining mobility;
Frailty
Unable to leave their home for community physical activity programs
Willing to try HSEP
Able to follow instructions and complete exercises independently (not appropriate for mid to late stage dementia/cognitive impairment)
Not currently receiving physiotherapy

HSEP may not be suitable for clients with the following characteristics:

An unstable health condition, i.e. hypo-tension or angina;
Extreme shortness of breath;
Any uncontrolled pain;
Mid to late stage dementia

Client Story

“The program gets me going for the rest of my day and I have lots more energy. I have gained my mobility back very, very quickly – the doctors are amazed!” – Mary Langridge, Client