Preventing Falls: The Role of Movement in Dementia Behavior Management

Nestcare Home Care and Private Duty Nursing
May 11
3 min read

Because Safer Days and Calmer Moments Start With Small, Simple Moves

In this blog we will discuss: fall prevention dementia, fidgety Alzheimer’s care, movement for balance and brain health, Nest Care Cards

“She can’t sit still… but I’m afraid she’s going to fall.”

If you’ve ever watched your loved one with dementia pace endlessly, reach for unstable furniture, or fidget in a way that makes your heart race—you’re not alone.

It’s a frustrating and scary contradiction:

They’re restless and need to move
But their movement isn’t always safe
And as the caregiver, you’re constantly on edge

Here’s the good news:

The right kind of movement—gentle, low-impact, and rhythmic—can calm restlessness and reduce fall risks.

In fact, incorporating simple, structured movement into your dementia care routine is one of the most effective ways to support balance, brain function, and emotional regulation.

Why Movement Reduces Fidgeting and Fall Risk

Dementia affects:

🧠 Balance and coordination

🧠 Spatial awareness

🧠 Motor planning

🧠 Impulse control and body regulation

That’s why your loved one may:

Constantly get up and down from a chair
Wander without purpose
Grab objects unsafely
Seem "twitchy" or anxious without warning

What they often really need is sensory input, joint stimulation, and a grounding activity.

Low-impact movement offers all of this—without overexertion or confusion.

Benefits of Low-Impact Movement for Dementia Clients

✅ Supports joint flexibility and strength

✅ Activates the vestibular system (balance center of the brain

)✅ Increases proprioception (body awareness)

✅ Decreases anxious energy

✅ Creates rhythm and predictability in the day

✅ Helps with fall prevention by retraining safe motion patterns

How Nest Care Movement Cards Help Calm the Body

Our Nest Care Movement Cards were designed to meet your loved one right where they are, with minimal prep, household-safe exercises, and seated or supported options.

Each card includes:

💡 A simple, low-impact movement
✅ Step-by-step instructions
🧠 A brain and body benefit explanation
🪑 Options for seated or mobility-challenged individuals

These cards aren’t just for exercise—they’re for everyday behavior management.

Examples of Movements That Make a Difference

Here are a few real-life movement card activities that help with fidgeting and reduce fall risks:

🪑 Chair Marching

How it works: Sit upright and lift one leg at a time in a marching pattern. Add arm movements for more stimulation.Why it helps: Engages core and lower-body muscles, stimulates coordination, and burns excess energy in a safe seated position.

🧺 Laundry Basket Sock Toss

How it works: Toss soft socks into a laundry basket from a seated or standing position.Why it helps: Improves hand-eye coordination and motor control. Fun and purposeful.

✋ Wall Push-Ups

How it works: Stand arm’s length from a wall and do gentle push-ups with hands flat.Why it helps: Strengthens upper body and promotes balance without requiring floor movement.

👣 Toe Taps and Heel Lifts

How it works: While seated, tap toes up and down, then switch to lifting heels.Why it helps: Improves ankle flexibility and circulation—critical for balance and fall prevention.

When to Use Movement for Best Results

Morning Wake-Up: Stimulate circulation and set a calm tone for the day
Before/After Meals: Build routine and support digestion
Late Afternoon: Prevent sundowning restlessness
Before Bed: Gentle movement paired with breathing helps calm the nervous system

Pro tip: Start with just 5–10 minutes. Build a consistent habit. Over time, these small sessions add up to big changes.

💬 What Caregivers Are Saying

“Dad used to pace and grab furniture, which made me so nervous. Now we do the wall push-ups together every afternoon. He’s calmer, and I’m less on edge.”— Jodi R., Daughter & Family Caregiver

“The sock toss game gives my mom a sense of purpose—and it gives me peace of mind because she’s not wandering unsafely while I make dinner.”— Carla T., Primary Care Partner