How to Make Static Standing Balance FUN!

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Standing balance can be soooo BORING. One simple way to add fun to a traditional balance activity just takes a quick trip to the dollar store (a home health therapist’s secret weapon).

    What you need:
        2    baskets
        10     toys to toss
        1    Airex balance pad

When you are shopping, look for toys that are fun and won’t bounce out of your basket when tossed. I chose children’s bath toys that are frogs. I cannot tell you how many patients I have had that absolutely LOVED the frogs. They are pretty darn cute. ☺

For this activity, place one empty basket on the floor approximately 5 feet from the patient. Then have the patient stand on a firm surface or Airex pad to begin. You can narrow their base of support to create an additional balance challenge if necessary. Once patient is balanced have them reach into the basket of toys and grab one. Next, they will try to toss the toy into the basket on the floor. Make sure to stand close to the patient to guard against a fall.

You will be surprised to find out how competitive some of your patients can be. You can include patients family/caregiver into the competition by having them complete the exercise while the patient is resting. The added competition can help give a patient additional motivation. Many of my patients now request this balance activity and some of them are genuinely upset when I don’t bring in the frogs.
The frogs can also be used for other balance activities. Look for additional blog posts coming soon!!!