Mobility and Walking
Assessment and support to maintain or improve walking ability, gait and safe movement around the home and care environment.
Physiotherapy for People Living With Dementia in Maidenhead, Windsor and Berkshire
Specialist Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for People Living With Dementia
Specialist physiotherapy to support mobility, strength, balance, transfers and physical function for people living with dementia, delivered at home or in care settings across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey.
Physiotherapy can make a meaningful difference
Physiotherapy can help people living with dementia maintain mobility, strength and physical function for as long as possible, while supporting safer movement and meaningful everyday activity.
Dementia can affect balance, coordination, walking and the ability to move safely and independently. Physiotherapy addresses these physical changes directly, working with the person at their own pace and adapting to their individual needs and communication style.
Rehabilitation goals can include maintaining valuable existing abilities as well as improving function. Every session is delivered with patience, dignity and respect.
Physiotherapy for People Living With Dementia
"She tackles complex physical challenges, ensuring my mother has retained a critical, life-enhancing level of mobility when other professionals, citing her progressing dementia, had regrettably written off her potential for maintained mobility and quality of life."
What physiotherapy can support
Each programme is tailored to the individual and delivered with patience, dignity and compassion.
Transfers and Moving Safely
Practical support with sit-to-stand transfers, moving between surfaces and safe repositioning, reducing strain for the person and their carers.
Strength and Physical Conditioning
Gentle, progressive exercises to maintain muscle strength and physical capacity, adapted to the individual's abilities and stage of dementia.
Balance and Falls Prevention
Specialist balance assessment and targeted falls prevention support, addressing the specific risks associated with dementia and reducing the likelihood of falls.
Range of Movement
Exercises and movement support to maintain joint flexibility and range of movement, supporting comfort and physical function.
Functional Mobility
Support with the everyday physical tasks that matter most, including dressing, moving around the home and participating in meaningful daily activities.
Adapting physiotherapy for dementia
Physiotherapy for people living with dementia requires a thoughtful, flexible approach. Sessions are adapted to the individual's cognitive and communication abilities, using clear, simple instructions, familiar routines and a calm, reassuring manner.
Where verbal communication is more difficult, physiotherapy can be delivered through demonstration, gentle guidance and movement-based cues. The pace is always led by the person.
Family members and carers play an important role. Where appropriate, practical guidance is provided on supporting safe movement, transfers and physical activity between sessions.
For Your Loved One
Maintain mobility and strength
Support your loved one to keep moving and maintain as much physical ability as possible for as long as possible.
Preserve everyday independence
Help them continue participating in everyday activities, transfers and movement wherever possible.
Reduce falls and support safer movement
Identify physical and environmental factors affecting balance, mobility and safety.
Support comfort, dignity and quality of life
Adapt movement, positioning and physical activity around the individual, their abilities and the stage of their dementia.
For Family Members and Carers
Understand changing mobility needs
Help you understand why movement, balance, transfers or physical abilities may be changing and what you can realistically do to help.
Feel more confident supporting movement
Practical guidance on encouraging mobility and assisting with everyday movement and transfers safely.
Know what to encourage and when to seek help
Professional guidance so families and carers are not left trying to work everything out alone.
Have ongoing professional support
A knowledgeable point of support as your loved one's physical needs and abilities change over time.
"We look beyond the dementia diagnosis."
A change in mobility does not always mean that nothing more can be done. We take time to understand the person, what has changed, what may be contributing to their difficulties and what they may still be capable of with the right support.
Sometimes success is not about regaining everything that has been lost. Maintaining a transfer, continuing to stand, walking a little further or retaining even a small amount of independence can make a meaningful difference to everyday life.
"I can't recommend highly enough. She worked with my elderly mother for over a year and not only provided excellent therapeutic support but was really calm and caring, and empathetic; always cheerful. Sheena really understands the importance of a holistic approach with her clients. She's excellent."
Who we support
People living with dementia at home
Physiotherapy delivered in the familiar surroundings of the person's own home, supporting independence and safe movement.
Residents in care homes
Specialist physiotherapy within residential and nursing care settings, working alongside care teams to support physical function and wellbeing.
Family members and carers
Practical guidance on supporting safe movement, transfers and physical activity, helping carers feel more confident in their role.
Healthcare professionals
Specialist physiotherapy input for GPs, consultants and multidisciplinary teams involved in the care of people living with dementia.
Common questions about physiotherapy for people living with dementia
Can physiotherapy help someone living with dementia?
Yes. Physiotherapy can help people living with dementia maintain mobility, strength and physical function for as long as possible, while supporting safer movement and meaningful everyday activity. Physiotherapy addresses balance, walking, transfers, falls prevention and range of movement, adapting the approach to the individual's cognitive and communication abilities.
What does physiotherapy for people living with dementia involve?
Sessions are tailored to the individual and adapted to their stage of dementia. They typically include gentle movement and exercise, balance and walking practice, sit-to-stand transfers, falls prevention and functional mobility support. The pace is always led by the person, using clear instructions, familiar routines and a calm, reassuring manner.
Can physiotherapy reduce falls in people with dementia?
Yes. Falls are a significant risk for people living with dementia, and physiotherapy plays an important role in reducing that risk. A thorough falls risk assessment, personalised strength and balance programme and practical guidance for carers on supporting safe movement can all help reduce the likelihood of falls.
Do you provide physiotherapy for people living with dementia at home in Maidenhead and Windsor?
Yes. Whole Life Rehab provides physiotherapy for people living with dementia as a home visit service across Maidenhead, Windsor, Marlow, Ascot, Henley-on-Thames and the surrounding areas of Berkshire, South Buckinghamshire and North Surrey. Physiotherapy delivered at home is often less disorienting and more effective for people living with dementia.
How do I arrange physiotherapy for a family member living with dementia?
You can contact Whole Life Rehab directly on 01628 369054 or book an introductory call. Family members, carers, GPs, care home managers and other healthcare professionals can all make a referral. We will discuss your family member's needs and arrange an initial assessment at home or in their care setting.
Looking for wider physiotherapy support in later life? Explore our Physiotherapy for Older Adults services.
Talk to us about physiotherapy for dementia
A friendly conversation to discuss your needs and help you understand how physiotherapy can support the person you care for.
Whether you need advice, want to discuss your situation or are ready to arrange an assessment, we are here to help.
