Exercise Instructor Course for Nursing Homes

*Please note that this page is for Nursing home management or staff only. If you wish to enquire or book exercise delivery training courses as an individual please click here.

In 2001 Fit For Life introduced our Group Exercise programmes to nursing homes in Ireland which were based on improving residents strength using resistance bands. To the great credit of nursing home owners the immediate uptake all around the country was incredible and we are still delivering group sessions to many of those nursing homes to this day!

Over the years programmes have been constantly diversifying and improving, using best practice research and the onsite practical knowledge and expertise of our therapists. As a result we now not only have the best practice group programmes but also programmes that actually logistically work in all types of settings and with all types of participant profiles.

Our numerous programmes are suitable for very dependent residents in nursing homes right the way through to active independent older adults in the wider community.

It is important to note that all of our exercise classes are progressive in nature regardless of what level they may be tailored to. We also deliver Physical Activity classes which are not as progressive in nature and can be more flexible with the aim to interest and engage participants whilst getting associated health benefits.

If there’s one thing we aim to pass on, it is that anyone can participate in an Exercise or Physical Activity class regardless of their physical or cognitive capabilities. Of course the most important aspect to continued participation is that participants have fun while knowing that they are safely challenged to maintain or improve their independence, health and well-being.

Depending on your level of expertise and training we provide a foundation level exercise instruction course, advanced level and specific group programmes for those with Alzheimer’s or related dementias.

Our evidence-based courses have been developed through our years of experience to enable attendees to upskill to deliver fun and effective group exercise and physical activity classes and individual programmes.

We have a comprehensive foundation level course (see below) in exercise delivery to older adults which covers all aspects of progressive and safe programmes which when completed give you an opportunity to further upskill with additional add on courses.

Whether you are a practicing Therapist, Nurse, Activities Coordinator or Health Care Assistant, we have a course tailored to you! Please see below for course content and information on upcoming courses.

*This course is not being run at the moment due to Covid-19 restrictions*.

For more information on bespoke exercise delivery training packages for your home or group of homes please call us on (01) 213 7915 or click button below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy involves evaluating, diagnosing and treating a range of injuries, disorders and disabilities in order to optimize the person’s mobility and functional capacity. Our chartered physiotherapists are graduate level healthcare practitioners specializing in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal, neurological, orthopaedic, respiratory and cardiac conditions. They provide a broad range of assessment and therapy services specifically developed for the older adult population. Physiotherapy Services Include: ½ Day Inhouse Physiotherapy Services for Nursing Homes: ½ day weekly (3-4hrs). Extended Inhouse Physiotherapy Service for Nursing Homes: e.g. 2 ½ days p/week. Private Inhouse Physiotherapy sessions: Individual residents can book private appointments with our physiotherapists weekly. Falls Risk Assessments. *All of these services are carried out by Chartered Physiotherapists, members of the I.S.C.P.
Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is designed to promote health, prevent injury or disability and develops, improves or sustains an individual’s level of independence. The most common referrals for our OT services include: Seating and pressure relief. Positioning and the prevention of contractures. Assisting activities of daily living (ADL’s) e.g. showering, eating, correct use of aids. Recommendations for environmental changes to assist ADL’s. Occupational Therapy Services Include: ½ Day inhouse Occupational Therapy Services for Nursing Homes: ½ day weekly (3-4hrs). Extended inhouse Occupational Therapy Services for Nursing Homes: e.g. 2 ½ days p/week. Private Inhouse Occupational Therapy sessions: Individual residents can book private appointments with our occupational therapists weekly. Falls Risk Assessments. *All of these services are carried out by Occupational Therapists, members of the A.O.T.I. (Assoc. of Occupational Therapists of Ireland).
Fit For Life - Group Exercise Therapy – Fitness Classes for Older Adults

Fit For Life have been delivering researched based group exercise therapy since 2001. Group exercise has been extensively researched and is highly recommended as an ideal form of physical activity especially for the older adult. Fit For Life’s experience and expertise has led to the development of successful exercise intervention for older adults at all levels of physical ability. We deliver progressive, innovative and fun group exercise classes for older adults ensuring that benefits are gained by all who participate in our programmes. The benefits of physical activity include staying independent if possible. We all know the importance of independence and we work with people as this becomes more challenging. We ensure that individuals achieve their own potential, providing support with personal goals, and best practice interventions to achieve these goals. A Fit For Life group exercise class will be: Researched, designed and developed from years of experience and expertise. Measured – individual assessments are made prior, during and post 12 weeks block of classes to measure progress. Able to cater for specific populations and medical conditions and for participants of different levels of ability or fitness. Fun, social, innovative and easily tailored to all participants. Delivered by a certified Fit For Life trainer. Group Exercise Therapy Services Include: Groups adapted to all levels of capabilities: Nursing Home/Day-care Populations Stand Strong Balance and Falls prevention classes: Community & Fit for Life Clinic Physical and Cognitive Classes; Suitable for Alzheimer’s and related dementia. To find out more click here or call 01-2137915 to speak to one of our senior management team about your bespoke requirements.
Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia – Group and Individual Exercise Therapy

We have developed programmes that are suitable for varying levels of cognitive impairment. Our aims and goals improve physical function, reducing the risk of falls and improving mood and levels of agitation. We introduce equipment with our programmes that have very positive results with this population, creating socially engaging environments and positive stimulation. We introduce programmes that combine endurance exercise, functional exercise and social games. What is important is that our therapists know the clients and provide meaningful activities that ensure a person-centered intervention. Thus, providing a specific session to the client’s needs and abilities. Using this approach and having flexible programmes that can be adapted when required our therapists have the experience and know how to consistently deliver effective and engaging programmes. Please click here or call us on 01-2137915 to speak to one of our senior managers.
Allied Therapies

Physical Therapy Physical Therapy is a healthcare profession which involves the treatment or management of pain, disability and impaired movement by means of massage, myofascial techniques, joints mobilizations and exercise therapy. Our Physical Therapists are graduate level healthcare practitioners, who work to restore full normal movement and to reduce or eliminate pain resulting from injury, infirmity and from medical conditions. *All of these services are carried out by Physical Therapists, members of the IAPT (Irish Assoc. of Physical Therapists). Athletic Therapy A Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT) is a graduate level (BSc, level 8 NFQ) healthcare practitioner specializing in musculoskeletal management, exercise-based rehabilitation and fitness. This therapist specializes in evidence-based assessment, treatment and advanced rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. Your Certified Athletic Therapist will complete a comprehensive assessment of your presenting condition and contributing factors. This may include physical tests for range of motion, strength and specific special tests of the involved body parts as appropriate. Your CAT will then develop, implement, review and progress a treatment and rehabilitation plan with you. Your treatment plan may include manual therapies such as massage, myofascial/soft tissue release techniques, trigger point dry needling, joint mobilizations and/or electro or thermotherapies or taping techniques. And it will almost definitely include a home rehabilitation and exercise program which may focus on developing strength, range of motion, improving your balance and decreasing your falls risk! *All of these services are carried out by Certified Athletic Therapists, members of A.R.T.I. (Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland) and BASRAT (British Assoc. of Sports Rehabilitators & Trainers).

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