Patients with life-limiting illnesses often experience functional impairment, resulting in poorer quality of life. Studies have shown that exercise can improve physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing, which all help maintain independence: Findings highlight that exercise in palliative care should not be viewed solely a physical intervention, but one that has potential to enhance many aspects of patients’ quality of life (Turner et al., 2016)

As part of our rehabilitation service we aim to develop the exercise therapy element to meet the needs of the individual. We offer tailor made exercise programmes to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient.

The disease status or location of the individual patient is not a barrier to our service.

For example the rehabilitation assistant initially sees a patient in the outpatient setting. As disease progresses and status reduces the same patient maybe offered a different approach in the most appropriate setting.

This maybe

• Home

• Inpatient unit

• Day service unit

• Outpatients

• Group sessions

• 1:1.

It is acknowledged that the exercise therapy we deliver:

• Armchair exercise

• Tai Chi both seated and standing

• Circuit Training

• In house gym

• Balance, strength and coordination exercises

• Indoor and outdoor mobility

is offered in many hospice settings. What makes our service different is where our therapy can be delivered. It may be bold to say our service is totally unique but we are certain there is nothing equivalent in our immediate region.

The benefits are clear, regardless of the patient’s changing condition we strive to maintain continuity making sure the individual is at the heart of everything we do; patients report after their exercise sessions they feel energised and it has given them the boost they need to carry on.