[CompanionCare]

Depends on the mobility of the parent. Frankly any exercise that can be incorporated into the day to help improve coordination, strength and endurance is a huge benefit to his or her well-being. If your parent can walk up and down the stairs, encourage such activity… with applause. If s/he is taking medications that cause dizziness, you may have to forgo the exercise entirely or walk with them. If your parent uses a cane, walker or is wheelchair bound, you will have to find some other form of exercise. If stairways are taken out of the picture, consider placing gates to prevent your parent from trying to walk up or roam around, unaided, by themselves.