Helping Clients with Mobility

There are many different ways people can become immobile. Some fall victims to age-related changes. Others have a disease, like Parkinson’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis, that makes staying mobile difficult. And some just give up. It’s important to remember that a loss of mobility can often be prevented and sometimes even regained.

• According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 37.5 percent of people 65 years and older have major activity limitations.
• The effects of immobility are not just confined to the joints, bones and muscles. Long term immobility can cause a wide range of problems in every part of the body, including the heart, lungs, digestive system and the brain. 
• A loss or decrease in mobility does not have to be a permanent condition. With physical therapy, assistive devices and a determined attitude, many people can regain mobility—even after it is lost.

YOUR ROLE IN HELPING WITH MOBILITY

• Always follow the care plan and re-position clients as ordered. If no order is in place, reposition every two hours.
• Follow your workplace “system” for repositioning—or if no system is in place—use the “turn clock” method.
• Teach family members the importance of turning and positioning for the home care client.
• When transferring clients, encourage participation! This will give the client the opportunity to use his muscles and joints, and possibly regain some mobility in the future.
• If your client has an assistive device (such as a cane or walker), be sure you know how to use it properly.
• Read the care plan and follow any instructions for performing range of motion exercises with your clients. If you are unsure of how to safely perform a certain exercise, ask your supervisor or physical therapist for a demonstration.
• Try to make mobility more fun by incorporating an activity your client enjoys, such as shopping, light housework, light gardening, playing a musical instrument, etc.
• Remember that the key to increasing or maintaining mobility in your clients is to do activities that the client enjoys and keeping the client safe while doing those activities.