Seniors CARE Exercise Program

Seniors CARE (Collaboration, Activity, Rehabilitation, Education) is a group exercise program targeting frail older adults in the Barrie, Midland and Orillia regions.  Classes are offered in person or virtually 2 times/week for 10 weeks; focus is on balance, coordination and upper and lower extremity strengthening. Each class is 1.5 hours long, with time dedicated to exercise, cognitive stimulation and education.  CARE is delivered by Kinesiologists; support from SGS physiotherapist is available. Priority is given to those meeting the eligibility criteria and being discharged from Acute Care of the Elderly (ACE) beds, Complex Continuing Care (CCC) beds, Convalescent Care Program (CCP) beds and patients of the SGS program.

Barrie Community Health Centre, Couchiching Family Health Team and North Simcoe Family Health Team are partnering with the SGS program to offer this program.

Eligibility Criteria: Frail seniors (Clinical Frailty Scale 4-6):

• With recent loss of functional ability, including decline in one or more ADLs or IADLs related to a medical condition or life event.
• At risk for admission to long-stay LTCH bed or hospitalization, as a result of the functional loss (high risk).
• With the potential to regain some/all of the functional ability lost through participation in the classes (restorative potential).
• Have the cognitive ability to participate/follow instructions; the tolerance to participate; AND the willingness/ability to attend classes in the available locations or virtually by Zoom Healthcare.
• Able to follow all IPAC control measures including 

• Hand hygiene and practice physical distancing
• Tolerate wearing a facemask for the duration of the in person exercise class and pre/post assessments

• Medical clearance required to participate.