Intent:
Moderate physical activity in connection with activities of everyday life or chosen activities can help to keep persons in home care fit in many ways. Below a certain threshold of activity, functional decline may be accelerated.
It is necessary to understand if the person is motivated to undertake physical activity, what the person’s needs may be, what barriers need to be overcome, and whether health education is needed.
Many people are interested in maintaining health. They usually know that life style practices may be important, but they often need concrete information about how important their own life style is for health maintenance. For example, the person may understand the general importance of exercise and good nutrition, but may not be willing or readily able to make changes in their lifestyle without some type of support or assistance..
In the LAST 3 DAYS, number of days went out of the house or building in which he/she resides (no matter how short the time period).
Definition:
Out of the house or building - this means the person went outdoors. This could be going into the yard, standing on an open porch, or walking down the street each day.
Process:
Ask the person or family if the person went outside in the last 3 days. If illness or weather did not permit (e.g., if it snowed or there was a “tropical” downpour), use code "Did not go out in last 3 days, but usually goes out over 3-day period" if the person did not leave the house, but normally would have during a 3-day period.
Coding:
No days out
Did not go out in last 3 days, but usually goes out over a 3-day period
1-2 days
3 days
Total hours of exercise or physical activity in the LAST 3 DAYS (e.g., walking)
Definition:
Exercise or physical activity – any exercise that involves at least moderate physical activity, e.g., walking outdoors, swimming, yoga, class, exercise with machines.
Process:
Ask the person and family to describe the person’s involvement in physical activity in the last 3 days (e.g., walking). If the accumulated time is more than two hours but less than three then use "1 - 2 hours". Hours of exercise may be accumulated over several instances per day or all at once.
Coding:
None
Less than 1 hour
1 - 2 hours
3 - 4 hours
More than 4 hours