Exercise, Mobility & Fall-Prevention
About this service
We help clients stay active and safe at home by reinforcing clinician-prescribed exercises, supervising walks and transfers, and removing everyday hazards that drive falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury in older Canadians, but many are preventable with targeted home changes and regular, structured activity that builds balance, gait, and lower-body strength. Our approach blends (1) simple, progressive movement in the home, (2) coaching that improves adherence, and (3) practical fixes in high-risk spots like bathrooms, stairs, and entryways. Where mobility aids are needed, we coordinate assessments and eligible funding through Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) authorizers and approved vendors. For eligible clients, portions of this support can be delivered within CDHCI authorized hours (e.g., mobilization/transfer assistance, home exercises, and essential health-linked homemaking).
Who it’s for
- Adults and older adults who feel unsteady, have had a recent fall/near-fall, are de-conditioned after illness or hospitalization, or want confident outdoor/indoor walking again. National guidance emphasizes home safety changes and activity to reduce risk.
- People starting or maintaining PT/OT home programs who need cueing, setup, and safe supervision between formal therapy visits; adherence support improves outcomes in older adults.
- Clients who may benefit from mobility equipment (e.g., canes/walkers) and need help navigating AADL authorizer assessments and vendor options.
What´s included in the service?
Guided walks (indoor/outdoor)
Pace, route, and rests matched to ability; we watch for orthostatic dizziness and cue posture/foot clearance to reduce stumbles. Structured exercise is recommended in fall-prevention guidance.
Home exercise reinforcement
Set up space/equipment, follow the PT/OT plan (ROM, strengthening, balance drills), and record tolerance/reps for your clinician. Physiotherapist-led and supported exercise reduces both risk and rate of falls.
Transfer & mobility practice
Bed/chair/wheelchair transfers using client-specific techniques and gait belts where appropriate; safe device handling (brakes, footplates). (Mobilization/transfer assistance is listed within CDHCI personal care scope when authorized.)
Home hazard sweep & quick fixes
Check lighting, cords/rugs, stairs and grab-points; clear pathways, secure cords next to walls, suggest nightlights and non-slip mats, and flag work needing a tradesperson. Canadian and Alberta checklists guide these changes.
Equipment navigation (AADL)
Identify needs (e.g., walkers), arrange an authorizer assessment, and help select from approved products/vendors; explain cost-sharing.
Family coaching & progress notes
Teach safe guarding/cueing, share simple tracking sheets, and escalate to PT/OT or nursing if pain, decline, or new symptoms appear.
Note: Vitamin D or calcium alone are not recommended as a fall-prevention strategy for community-dwelling older adults; structured exercise and multifactorial approaches have stronger evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Can this be funded under CDHCI?
Sometimes. AHS case managers authorize service types and hours; within personal care, tasks like mobilization/transfers and home exercises may be included. Approved hours are billed directly to Alberta Blue Cross; families can add private top-ups for more time or extra services.
Do you replace my physiotherapist or occupational therapist?
No. Your PT/OT prescribes and progresses the program. We reinforce it safely between visits, track adherence/tolerance, and report back—an approach the Canadian Physiotherapy Association highlights for better outcomes at home.
How do you decide on the right mobility aid?
We screen for red flags and then coordinate an AADL authorizer assessment when appropriate. If eligible, you’ll choose from approved product lists and vendors and may have cost-sharing. We also teach safe setup and maintenance.
What specific home changes reduce falls the most?
Start with lighting (nightlights on routes to the bathroom), pathway clearing, securing cords/rugs, railings/grab bars where needed, and non-slip mats—simple items highlighted in Canadian and Alberta home-safety guides.
How often should we exercise?
Evidence-based recommendations favour structured exercise 2–3 times per week focusing on balance, gait, and strength, ideally for several months, alongside other risk-factor checks (medications, vision, footwear). We tailor frequency to your clinician’s plan and your goals.
Download our guide
Check out our guide to Home and Community Care.