Daily living and health
Mobility assistance
Mobility assistance is help with moving around, such as standing up, walking, using stairs, and getting in and out of a bed, chair, or car. A caregiver may walk beside the person, spot them, or help with a cane, walker, or wheelchair.
Why it matters for your family
Staying active protects strength, but weak legs and poor balance raise fall risk. Mobility help lets people keep doing daily things safely. A caregiver can steady a person on stairs, help with transfers, and keep walkways clear. A physical therapist can advise on the right device and exercises. A common mistake is skipping a walker because of pride, or using the wrong size. Another is lifting a person without training. Ask for safe transfer training. HomeCare.com companion care includes help with mobility, and advanced companion care adds transfer and walking assistance, with no medical treatment.
Source: cdc.gov
Read more: Personal and advanced care
Related terms
- AmbulationAmbulation means walking from place to place, with or without a cane, walker, or help from another person.
- TransferringTransferring, as an activity of daily living, means moving between surfaces, such as bed to chair, chair to standing, or wheelchair to toilet.
- WalkerA walker is a frame with four legs that a person grips to steady themselves while walking.
- WheelchairA wheelchair is a chair on wheels that lets a person move when walking is hard or unsafe.
- Fall preventionFall prevention is the set of steps that lower the chance an older adult will fall.
- Rehabilitation careRehabilitation care is therapy that helps a person regain strength, movement, speech, or daily skills after an illness, injury, or surgery.
