Assisting with Mobility: Techniques and Equipment

Reaching the later stages of our lives often brings challenges with mobility. As energy levels decline, balance becomes less steady, and the risk of falls increases. For carers, assisting a loved one or resident’s mobility is a crucial aspect of their care responsibilities. Ensuring the right support through appropriate techniques and equipment can significantly enhance the quality of life, health, and safety of the person being cared for.
If you’re caring for a loved one and starting to worry about their mobility, this comprehensive guide will offer insights into the best practices and tools available to assist with their mobility needs.

Exercises and Activities

Regular exercise is fundamental for maintaining mobility in older adults. It is key to preserving independence and enhancing balance, muscle strength, and overall vitality. Exercises can vary from simple, using furniture for support, to more advanced routines, depending on the individual’s flexibility and health condition. Here are some effective exercises to improve mobility:

Semi-sits – Semi-sits, or chair squats, involve bending and stretching the knees while using a chair for support. This exercise helps strengthen the muscles around the knees, improving stability and balance.
Side Bends – Side bends are chair exercises that involve contracting and stretching the abdominal muscles. They are excellent for enhancing core strength and flexibility.
Upper Body Clam Shell – This chair-based exercise increases shoulder flexibility and stability. It involves rotating the shoulders while keeping the arms at shoulder height, mimicking the opening and closing of a clamshell.
Seated Abdominal Press – The seated abdominal press is a core-strengthening exercise. It involves sitting upright and pushing the palms into the knees, engaging the abdominal muscles to build stability and strength.

In addition to these exercises, activities like swimming, walking, and yoga can be incredibly beneficial for maintaining strength, balance, and overall mobility. Swimming provides a low-impact workout that is easy on the joints while walking promotes cardiovascular health and muscle endurance. Yoga helps improve flexibility, balance, and mental well-being.

Mobility Assistance

Mobility assistance devices are essential for supporting elders in their daily activities. They range from wheelchairs and mobility scooters to walking sticks and frames, each serving different levels of mobility needs.

Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters – For those with significant mobility challenges, wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be life-changing. They enable individuals to move around independently and with ease. Manual wheelchairs require physical effort from the user or assistance from a carer, while powered wheelchairs offer greater independence through easy-to-use controls. Mobility scooters are ideal for outdoor use, providing a comfortable and convenient way to travel longer distances.
Walking Sticks and Frames – Walking sticks and frames offer support for those who need assistance with balance and stability. Walking sticks are lightweight and portable, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Walking frames, including rollators, provide more substantial support and often come with additional features such as seats and storage compartments.

These aids can be purchased from mobility shops or online across the UK. Additionally, the NHS offers mobility assistance options. Speak to your GP or a trained physiotherapist to explore the available resources and follow the relevant processes for obtaining the necessary equipment.

Home Modifications – Modifying the home environment can greatly enhance mobility and independence for older adults. These modifications support key day-to-day activities, from personal hygiene to cooking, gardening, and cleaning, thereby boosting self-worth and autonomy.
Ramps and Safety Bars – Ramps improve accessibility and can be installed as temporary or permanent features, making it easier for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties to navigate different levels of the home. Safety bars and handles are crucial additions in areas like stairs and bathrooms, providing extra support and reducing the risk of falls.
Stair Lifts – Stair lifts are an important consideration for homes with multiple floors. They enable individuals to move between levels safely and independently. Installing a stair lift can prevent falls and accidents, ensuring that older adults can continue living in a multi-storey home without unnecessary risk.
Bathroom and Kitchen Adaptations – Bathrooms and kitchens often require significant modifications to improve safety and usability. Lowering countertops, installing pull-out shelves, and ensuring easy access to appliances make kitchens more user-friendly. In the bathroom, step-in baths, sit-in showers, and shower stools can greatly enhance safety and comfort. Grab bars, non-slip mats, and raised toilet seats are also valuable additions.

Moving to a Care Home

In some cases, an elderly loved one may require more assistance with their mobility than can be provided at home. When this happens, a residential care home might be the best option. It can be a difficult decision to move a loved one into a care home, but the benefits often outweigh the emotional challenges.

Care homes provide all the necessary support and equipment mentioned above as standard. More importantly, they offer round-the-clock care, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring that residents receive the assistance they need. Care homes cater to various conditions that may affect mobility, providing tailored care plans that include specific exercises recommended by professionals to address individual weaknesses and promote overall health.

Residents in care homes have access to physiotherapy and other healthcare services, ensuring that their mobility needs are continuously monitored and addressed. Engaging activities that promote physical and mental vitality are a regular part of life in a care home, enhancing the overall well-being of residents.

Seeking Professional Help

If you are looking to assist a loved one with their mobility, the first step should always be to seek professional help. A comprehensive assessment by healthcare professionals will determine the type of mobility care needed. From there, you can make informed decisions about home modifications, appropriate exercises, and any necessary mobility assistance devices.

At Valorum Care Group, we understand the complexities of mobility assistance. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing personalised care plans that address the unique needs of each individual. Whether it’s through in-home support or residential care, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life for those we care for.

Training for Carers and Family Members

Proper training for carers and family members is crucial for effective mobility assistance. Understanding the correct techniques for manual handling, using equipment safely, and knowing how to respond in emergencies are all essential skills.

Manual Handling Techniques – Manual handling involves lifting, moving, and supporting individuals safely. Carers must learn the proper body mechanics to avoid injury, such as bending at the knees, keeping the back straight, and using the legs to lift. It’s also important to assess the situation before attempting any manual handling, considering the individual’s mobility level, weight, and the environment.
Use of Equipment – Carers and family members should be trained on the correct use and maintenance of mobility aids. This includes understanding how to adjust and operate wheelchairs, walking frames, and other devices. Regular maintenance checks ensure that the equipment remains safe and functional.
Emergency Procedures – Being prepared for emergencies, such as falls or medical incidents, is vital. Training should cover how to respond promptly and effectively, including contacting emergency services and providing first aid if necessary. Having a clear plan in place can significantly reduce the impact of emergencies on both the carer and the individual.

The Role of Technology in Mobility Assistance

Advancements in technology have brought significant improvements in mobility assistance. These innovations provide new ways to support and enhance the mobility of older adults.

Smart Home Technology – Smart home technology can greatly enhance the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges. Voice-activated systems allow users to control lights, heating, and other devices without physical movement. Automated doors and fall detection sensors add layers of convenience and safety, enabling individuals to live more independently.
Rehabilitation Robotics – Robotic technology offers exciting possibilities for mobility assistance. Wearable exoskeletons support and enhance movement, allowing individuals with paralysis or severe weakness to walk. Robotic rehabilitation devices assist in therapy, helping individuals regain movement and strength through guided exercises.
Personalised Care and Support- At Valorum Care Group, we recognise that each individual’s needs are unique. Personalised care plans are essential for effective mobility assistance. These plans should include comprehensive assessments, realistic goal setting, and regular reviews to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

Comprehensive Assessment

A thorough evaluation of the individual’s physical abilities, medical history, and personal preferences is the foundation of a personalised care plan. This assessment helps identify specific mobility challenges and areas that require support.

Goal Setting – Setting realistic and achievable goals for mobility and independence is crucial. These goals provide a roadmap for care and help motivate individuals to engage in their rehabilitation and support activities.
Regular Review – Care plans should be continuously assessed and adjusted to ensure they remain effective. Regular reviews allow carers and healthcare professionals to track progress and make necessary changes to the plan.

Final thoughts

Assisting with mobility is a complex challenge that requires a combination of techniques, equipment, and personalised care. At Valorum Care Group, we are committed to providing the highest standard of support to individuals with mobility needs, ensuring they can lead fulfilling and independent lives. By staying informed about the latest advancements in mobility assistance and continually adapting our approach, we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those we care for.

Contact Us

Valorum Care Group is dedicated to providing compassionate and professional care. For more information on our services or to discuss your needs, please contact us today.