Exercise Physiology for Dementia Adelaide
At Thrive Health Therapies, we provide experienced and evidence-based exercise physiology for people living with dementia in Adelaide. Our exercise physiologists support individuals at all stages of dementia, helping to maintain physical function, improve quality of life, and promote independence for as long as possible. Whether you’re seeking care at home, in our fully accessible Findon clinic and gym, or at a convenient community location, our team is here to help.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a collective term for a range of conditions that cause progressive decline in brain function, including memory, reasoning, and behaviour. There are over 472,000 Australians currently living with dementia, making it one of the leading causes of disability among older adults.
Common Types of Dementia
Alzheimer’s Disease – The most common form, marked by gradual memory and cognitive decline
Vascular Dementia – Often following a stroke or related to poor blood flow in the brain
Lewy Body Dementia – Includes fluctuations in cognition, movement problems, and visual hallucinations
Frontotemporal Dementia – Affects behaviour, personality, and language
Mixed Dementia – A combination of multiple types, often seen in older adults
Each person’s experience with dementia is different. That’s why personalised, person-centred care is so important.
How Can Exercise Physiology Help People with Dementia?
Exercise physiology plays a vital role in dementia care and quality of life. Our exercise physiologists help individuals stay physically active in a way that is safe, enjoyable, and meaningful. Regular, structured movement supports not only physical health but also emotional wellbeing and cognitive function.
1. Maintaining Strength, Balance, and Mobility
Movement is medicine. Our exercise physiologists create tailored programs to help individuals with dementia:
Preserve muscle strength and joint mobility
Improve balance and reduce fall risk
Maintain the ability to walk, move, and transfer safely
Delay physical decline and support continued independence
2. Reducing Falls and Enhancing Safety
Falls are common among people with dementia due to changes in balance, coordination, and perception. Our team supports:
Fall prevention strategies
Safe mobility education
Recommendations for assistive equipment (e.g. walking aids)
Environmental suggestions to reduce risk at home
3. Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing
Physical activity can significantly improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety or agitation often experienced in dementia. Our approach includes:
Gentle movement to reduce restlessness
Group or partner activities (when appropriate) to encourage social engagement
Exercise programs that incorporate meaningful and enjoyable tasks
4. Supporting Everyday Function and Independence
Maintaining the ability to perform daily tasks is key to quality of life. We use exercise to:
Improve functional strength for standing, sitting, and walking
Support abilities required for dressing, bathing, and household activities
Build confidence to continue doing the things that matter most
5. Managing Pain and Stiffness
Many people living with dementia also experience chronic pain or arthritis, which may limit mobility further. Our AEPs can help by:
Designing gentle stretching and movement routines
Teaching positioning strategies to reduce discomfort
Supporting relaxation and improved body awareness
6. Educating and Supporting Caregivers
Caring for someone with dementia is physically and emotionally demanding. Our team provides:
Education on safe transfers and mobility techniques
Exercises that can be done together
Advice on pacing, body mechanics, and injury prevention for carers
How We Deliver Exercise Physiology for Dementia
We offer community-based, clinic-based and telehealth exercise physiology services to clients throughout Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills:
Community-Based Services: We provide community-based services in your home or at a location convenient to you across Adelaide. Learn more about our mobile exercise physiology services and our home visit exercise physiology services.
1:1 Clinic-Based Services: We provide clinic-based services in our specialised clinic and gym in Findon, which has been designed to be appropriate for a range of presentations and disabilities. Our fully accessible clinic and gym space has a range of specialised equipment, allowing individuals with significant physical disabilities the opportunity to work towards their goals.
Group classes: Our exercise physiologists also run small group classes at our clinic, focused on strength, balance, and conditioning - ideal for those with neurological or physical disabilities who want to build capacity in a supportive environment. Learn more about our exercise physiology group classes.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients in Adelaide with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support. Learn more about our teleheath services.
Funding Options
We accept a variety of funding options, making exercise physiology for people with dementia accessible for everyone:
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Private Health Insurance
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans (GP Team Care Arrangements)
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Why Choose Thrive Health Therapies?
At Thrive Health Therapies, we are committed to delivering evidenced-based, high-quality care that makes a difference. Here’s why we’re a trusted provider of exercise physiology in Adelaide:
No wait time: We can start working with you straight away!
Expert team: Our exercise physiologists are experienced clinicians with extensive experience managing clients with dementia.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing physiotherapy across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at their home, or at a location convenient to them. Learn more about our service areas.
Clinic space: Our fully accessible clinic and gym in Findon has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of presentations and disabilities.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health. Learn more about our team.
NDIS Provider: We provide services to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants..
Funding Sources: We accept a variety of funding options, helping our clients access the support they need.
LGBTQIA+ Friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people.
FAQs About Exercise Physiology for Dementia
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
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Exercise improves mobility, reduces fall risk, supports mental health, and enhances the ability to carry out daily activities. It may also help slow physical decline.
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Exercise physiology plays an essential role in dementia care by helping individuals maintain physical function, reduce falls, support independence, and improve overall wellbeing. Accredited Exercise Physiologists use safe, tailored exercise programs to manage strength, mobility, balance, fatigue, and mental health - empowering people with dementia to stay active and engaged in daily life.
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Exercise cannot stop dementia, but it may slow physical and cognitive decline, reduce complications such as falls, and help individuals stay independent for longer.
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Regular, guided exercise can help individuals with dementia by:
Improving strength, balance, and coordination
Reducing the risk of falls and injuries
Supporting mental wellbeing and reducing agitation
Enhancing confidence and independence in daily tasks
Promoting better sleep, mood, and circulation
Delaying the decline in mobility and function
Our exercise physiologists adapt programs to suit the individual's stage of dementia, lifestyle, and personal goals.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
Once we have received a referral form with all of your details, we are able to book an Initial Assessment as soon as possible, depending on your availability.
You can find our referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring or would like to book directly with our team, please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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If you are funded through Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) we need the appropriate referral documentation from your GP.
For all other funding sources you can refer yourself or your loved one directly via our online referral form, or reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Referring is easy! You can find our referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring or would like to book directly with our team, please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
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Prices vary between services. Our therapists work with you to ensure you get the best program of services within your budget allocation.
Please contact us for a personalised quote.
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Referral Form
Fill out our easy online referral form and we’ll be in touch!
