Care England, working alongside Be Great Fitness and NHS partners, has published a new report as part of their From Inactivity to Independence series: Measuring the impact of movement in adult social care. The report demonstrates how structured, personalised movement programmes can transform outcomes for residents while supporting staff and strengthening the wider health and care system.
Why movement matters
The evidence presented in the report shows that regular, adaptable movement plays a central role in maintaining dignity, independence, and quality of life for older people in care settings.
- Movement-led approaches can:
- Improve balance, strength, and functional mobility
- Support emotional regulation, confidence, and engagement
- Reduce behavioural distress and social isolation
- Help stabilise sleep, nutrition, and daily routines
- Contribute to calmer, safer care environments
Importantly, exercise does not need to be high-intensity. The programme focuses on inclusive, low-impact activities — often seated and adapted to individual ability ensuring residents living with dementia, frailty, or complex needs can still participate safely and meaningfully.
What the report covers
The report explores how embedding movement into everyday care, rather than treating it as an optional activity, can interrupt cycles of decline. Across multiple care settings, residents previously considered high-risk or highly dependent demonstrated measurable improvements in mobility, engagement, and overall wellbeing achieved without changes to medication.
Alongside individual outcomes, staff reported reduced stress, clearer care planning, and more predictable routines, highlighting the wider cultural benefits of movement-led care.
The human impact
Behind the findings are real stories showing how consistent movement can change trajectories:
- Brian experienced calmer behaviour, greater sociability, and increased independence in personal care.
- John improved his gait and balance, reduced restlessness, and became more confident and socially engaged.
- Maureen regained daily structure, stabilised her sleep pattern, and increased participation in communal life.
- Janet rebuilt strength and confidence after prolonged inactivity, reducing dependency and improving mood.
These case studies demonstrate that movement is not simply about exercise, it is about restoring dignity, connection, and purpose.
Benefits for the workforce and wider system
Embedding movement into daily routines benefits care teams as well as residents. Staff involved in the programme reported safer working environments, improved engagement with residents, and a stronger sense of collaboration across services.
The model aligns closely with NHS priorities around falls prevention, reablement, and healthy ageing. By supporting residents to maintain strength and stability, movement-led approaches have the potential to reduce avoidable deterioration and ease pressures on health services.
A call to action
The report makes a clear case for recognising movement as a core component of high-quality care. Key recommendations include:
- Scaling movement-led reablement programmes across regions
- Training care staff to embed activity into everyday practice
- Strengthening data sharing between social care and NHS partners
- Exploring national broadcast-led exercise initiatives to support preventative health
Every movement matters. From restoring confidence and independence for residents to creating calmer care environments and supporting prevention across the health system, the benefits of structured activity are clear.
From Inactivity to Independence shows that when movement is placed at the heart of care, supported by collaboration, training, and innovation, older people can live not only longer, but better.
Read the full report here
Read the press release here
