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.
Keywords: Exercise Physiologists; cognitive factors; exercise; functional; partners in care; person centred; physical activity; qualitative evaluation; social.