Hi, I think it would be better if you take her in a place wherein she can enjoy the beauty of nature and take a walk with her. Make her smile, ask her what she wants. It is not necessarily to let her do those heavy exercises, it is more than enough for her to breathe fresh air, take a walk, talk with her and let her reminisce those wonderful memories you had together. It would probably take the stress away.
Depending on the physical condition of your mom, you can choose from several different activities like walking, jogging, riding a bicycle. You may also opt to choose aerobics, you can download aerobics exercise that's fit for seniors and long term care recipients. Check out this article about proper exercise and recreational activities for seniors and long term care recipients at infolongtermcare.org
Google "physical therapy exercise for the elderly". Then pick and choose. She can do some laying down, some from a chair, some standing at the sink (holding onto the sink). There are so many.
Would she enjoy dancing? At her age, that might mean just swaying to music. But if it would be something she would enjoy, it could lighten her spirits while improving her circulation. (For those confined to chairs, they might still be able to sway.)
Whatever you decide, make sure it's something that she enjoys otherwise there's no fun in it. Maybe think of it as playing together so there's a mutual enrichment.
It depends on what her abilities are now, so I agree that consulting at PT is a good move. Both my parents have worked with PTs, and the strongest recommendation is for plain old walking. Dad takes the long way back from the bathroom, around the house. Sometimes that's all the exercise he gets in a day, but every little bit helps.
Mom has 1-lb hand weights and a pedal exerciser. She's vigilant about doing her limited routine of arm exercises and her 15 minutes on the pedaler. The combination has drastically improved her strength and balance, and she's only fallen once in 4 years (major success).
Your profile says your mom has age related decline. Well, we all are going in that direction, so it would be helpful to you and mom to get outside and walk if possible, little light gardening, get mom to Adult Senior Center, these places encourage seniors to dance and clap and move. My friend takes her mom to a senior aerobic class, they both particpate and it is fun and relaxing for both mom and daugher, you'd be amazed how a little movement in the water eases depressions and is kind to joints and improves overall outlook and health.
The MD can order in home PT through Medicare. You pay attention to the exercises and repeat them with her daily. Aside from that, I still believe in rocking chairs, they keep the legs going and fluids moving.
http://www.infolongtermcare.org/long-term-health-care-seniors/senior-health-care/proper-exercise-for-seniors/
http://www.infolongtermcare.org/long-term-health-care-seniors/senior-health-care/proper-exercise-for-seniors/
You may want to try the activities and exercise listed there.
Mom has 1-lb hand weights and a pedal exerciser. She's vigilant about doing her limited routine of arm exercises and her 15 minutes on the pedaler. The combination has drastically improved her strength and balance, and she's only fallen once in 4 years (major success).