The Ultimate Guide to Home Physiotherapy for the Elderly

by | Jul 22, 2025 | Home Physio Advice, Helpful Guides

Key points

  • Home physiotherapy supports strength, balance and day‑to‑day function without the need to travel.
  • It’s especially useful after hospital stays, following a fall, with long‑term conditions, or during general deconditioning.
  • Good care includes assessment, a personalised plan, a simple home exercise programme, and regular progress reviews.

As we get older, aches, a recent fall, or time in hospital can make simple tasks feel harder. Home physiotherapy brings assessment and rehabilitation to your own environment, so exercises and advice directly match the layout of your home and your daily routines.

What is home physiotherapy?

Home (domiciliary) physiotherapy is assessment and treatment delivered in your house or care home. Seeing you move around your own furniture, stairs and bathrooms helps tailor goals and exercises that fit real life. It can also reduce fatigue and fall risk associated with travel.

Who can benefit?

What good home physio typically involves

  1. Initial assessment: Medical history, current challenges, falls risk, mobility, balance, strength and functional tasks (e.g. getting out of a chair).
  2. Goal‑setting: Clear, meaningful and realistic goals (e.g. “walk to the local shop and back twice a week”).
  3. Plan of care: A simple exercise programme + strategy for everyday tasks (stairs, bed, bathroom, kitchen) and pacing.
  4. Education: Pain, fatigue and breathlessness strategies; how to progress safely.
  5. Review: Regular check‑ins to adapt exercises and measure progress.

Safety first

  • Have a stable chair with arms available; wear supportive footwear.
  • Keep walking areas clear; good lighting, especially on stairs.
  • If you feel chest pain, severe breathlessness, dizziness, or new weakness, stop and seek medical advice. For urgent symptoms, call emergency services.

Preparing the home for rehab

  • Clear floor space about 2–3 metres long for walking and balance work.
  • Choose one or two “practice stations” (e.g. favourite chair, bottom of stairs, kitchen worktop for support).
  • Keep any bands/weights in a visible spot to cue habit‑building.

A simple starter routine (general guidance)

Always work within comfort and balance limits. If unsure, seek professional advice. Use a sturdy surface for support if needed.

1) Sit‑to‑Stand

From a chair with arms, stand up and sit down slowly. Aim for 5–10 reps, rest, repeat 2–3 sets.

2) Heel Raises

Holding a worktop, rise onto toes, pause, lower. 8–12 reps × 2–3 sets.

3) Marching in Standing

Lightly hold support, lift knees alternately. 20–40 steps total, steady pace.

4) Balance: Semi‑Tandem

One foot slightly ahead of the other, feet close. Hold 10–30s, swap sides, 3–5 times each.

Progress ideas: add a set, slow the lowering phase, or reduce hand support slightly (while staying safe).

Tracking progress (simple home measures)

  • Chair stands in 30 seconds: Note how many you can do safely. Retest every 2–4 weeks.
  • Comfortable walking time: Time a usual walk (e.g. to the garden gate) and record how it feels.
  • Daily tasks: Keep a short list (stairs, showering, cooking). Mark “easier/same/harder” weekly.

Related reading on our site

Frequently asked questions

How often should sessions be?
It varies by goal and health status. Many people start weekly, then reduce as confidence and function improve.
Do I need special equipment?
Usually not. Everyday items (a sturdy chair, kitchen worktop) are often enough. Simple bands or small weights can help later.
Is a GP referral required?
Not for private physiotherapy in the UK. Sharing relevant medical information can still be helpful.
What if I feel worse after starting?
Mild muscle soreness is common early on. Marked pain, swelling, new breathlessness or dizziness should be discussed promptly with a clinician.

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