Physiotherapy Support for Dementia Management

Dementia is common, affecting more than 400 000 Australians.

Moreover, it’s estimated that over 1.5 million Australians are involved in caring for someone with dementia. If dementia has touched your life, you will recognise its significant impact on physical and mental wellbeing, as well as the overall quality of life for both the individual and their support network.

While there is currently no cure for dementia, physiotherapy for dementia patients may help maintain physical function, cognitive engagement, and quality of life for as long as possible. At Valens Care, our experienced, AHPRA-registered physiotherapists can provide NDIS-funded physiotherapy services that may support individuals living with dementia. We individually tailor exercises and movements that may help:

Improve mobility and balance
Reduce frailty
Decrease risk of falls and injury
Slow cognitive decline
Improve thought and mood.

Below, we discuss dementia and how physiotherapy may assist in managing its effects.

Table of Contents

Understanding Dementia and Its Impact on Mobility

Dementia is not one specific disorder but a group of symptoms caused by conditions affecting the brain. It involves a progressive decline in brain function, starting slowly and worsening over time, often resulting in:

Memory loss
Confusion
Reduced problem-solving abilities
Behaviour changes
Reduced depth perception
Social withdrawal
Weakening muscles
Slow reflexes
Balance difficulties (higher falls risk)
Poor coordination
Difficulty with multitasking

These dementia-related mobility challenges can make daily tasks—such as walking, talking, bathing, and dressing—more complex. As the disease progresses, individuals may need increasing support. Although dementia cannot be cured or reversed, physiotherapy may help manage symptoms and preserve mobility for as long as possible.

While dementia can’t be cured or reversed, physiotherapy may help in the management of the condition.

How Physiotherapy May Assist Individuals Living with Dementia

Dementia physiotherapy focuses on maintaining strengths and abilities. The primary aim is to help individuals remain physically active and mentally engaged, promoting independence for as long as possible. This involves collaboration with the person living with dementia, their multidisciplinary team, and their support network.

A physiotherapist may conduct a comprehensive assessment and then suggest a customised plan to address the person’s specific needs. Common goals include:

Supporting mobility and balance through exercise programmes
Reducing the risk of falls and injuries
Managing pain
Encouraging active participation in daily tasks
Providing guidance on assistive devices and home modifications

For individuals receiving NDIS-funded physiotherapy, personalised treatment can be delivered in a variety of settings, including in-home dementia physiotherapy services.

Exercises and Activities That May Support Cognitive and Physical Wellbeing

Regular, targeted activities and exercises may help sustain physical abilities, encourage cognitive engagement, and alleviate some behavioural challenges. Physiotherapy may involve exercises designed to improve:

Strength and flexibility
Endurance
Balance and coordination

A few examples of dementia physiotherapy exercises and activities include:

Individual or group exercise classes
Dance sessions to promote cognitive function and balance
Pool-based therapy, which can reduce joint stress and improve mobility

Early intervention soon after a dementia diagnosis is often recommended. Beginning a physiotherapy programme at this stage may help maintain physical strength, balance, and cognitive engagement for longer, potentially slowing the decline in daily functioning.

The Role of Caregivers and Education in Dementia Physiotherapy

Caregivers and family members are integral to physiotherapy for dementia patients. Physiotherapists may provide education that includes:

Ways to integrate exercise into daily routines
Strategies for recognising and responding to behavioural patterns or unmet needs
Guidance on using assistive devices (e.g., walking sticks) and making home modifications (e.g., installing shower rails)
Fall-prevention advice to encourage independence and reduce injury risk

Empowering caregivers can enable individuals living with dementia to continue residing at home for as long as safely possible. This support may include recommending personal medical alarms, which can be accessed through the NDIS. Such devices provide added peace of mind in case of emergencies like falls or sudden medical events.

The Valens Care Approach: Mobile, Person-Centred Physiotherapy

At Valens Care, we understand that dementia affects both the individual and the people around them. Our mobile physiotherapy services aim to remove barriers to receiving care by providing flexible and convenient sessions. By tailoring treatment programmes to each person’s needs, we may help them retain as much independence as possible and enjoy a better quality of life.

We can also refer clients to one of our partners: Neurofit Brain Centre. Neurofit uses evidence-based, non-invasive therapies to stimulate the brain, and these therapies may slow dementia progression or reduce some symptoms of cognitive decline. Potential benefits may include improvements in:

Memory and thought processes
Visuospatial attention
Motor control

If someone you love is living with dementia, contact us to learn more about our in-home dementia physiotherapy services and how we may be able to support them.

* All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Valens Care can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can physiotherapy support someone living with dementia?

A: Physiotherapy may help maintain physical function, promote safe mobility, and encourage mental engagement. Exercises are often tailored to each person’s abilities and goals, aiming to preserve independence for as long as possible.

Q: What types of exercises may be helpful?

A: This varies based on individual needs but can include balance training, strength exercises, gentle stretching, dance, or pool-based therapy. These activities may support both cognitive and physical wellbeing.

Q: Can physiotherapy be included in an NDIS plan?

A: Yes, physiotherapy for people with dementia can be funded under an NDIS plan, depending on eligibility and individual circumstances. An AHPRA-registered physiotherapist can help outline suitable options and treatment goals.