1.1 Define ‘mobility’

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Define ‘mobility’.

Mobility describes a person’s ability to move their body from one place or position to another. This includes walking, shifting in bed, transferring from a bed to a chair, reaching for objects, or turning around. Mobility is not just about walking. It covers a wide range of movements. These movements can be large, like walking across a room, or small, like repositioning an arm or leg.

In health and social care, mobility is a key aspect of a person’s daily living. It affects how well someone can look after themselves. If someone struggles with movement, it can affect dressing, washing, eating, or using the toilet. Workers must understand that reduced or lost mobility has a wide impact.

Mobility can be:

• Independent, where a person moves without help.
• Supported, where aids like walking frames, crutches, or another person help with movement.
• Dependant, where a person needs a lot of help, and cannot move alone.

Mobility Physical Factors

Mobility depends on a range of physical factors, such as:

• Bones and joints
  Bones give the body structure. Joints allow movement at connecting points.
• Muscles
  Muscles create the force to move bones and support balance and coordination.
• Nervous system
  The brain and nerves send signals to muscles, controlling motion.
• Senses
  Sight, touch, and balance sensors help control posture and avoid obstacles.

If any of these components are not working well, a person’s mobility can be affected. For example, arthritis can make joints stiff and painful, which reduces movement.

Different Types of Mobility

Mobility covers more than just walking. It involves:

• Ambulation
  Moving from place to place, with or without aids.
• Transfers
  Changing position, for example moving from bed to chair, or from sitting to standing.
• Repositioning
  Adjusting position in bed or chair to avoid pressure sores.
• Fine movement
  Smaller movements, like reaching for a cup or using cutlery.

Each type of mobility allows a person to be as independent as possible. Supporting mobility, in any form, can help someone maintain control over their daily life.

Why Mobility Matters

Mobility has far-reaching effects. It impacts almost every area of a person’s life.

• Daily living
  Being able to move supports feeding, washing, going to the toilet, and dressing.
• Health
  Movement keeps muscles and joints healthy. It improves blood flow and lowers the risk of pressure ulcers or blood clots.
• Emotional wellbeing
  If someone can move about, they may feel happier, enjoy activities, and stay connected with others. Loss of mobility can lead to frustration, loss of confidence, and loneliness.
• Safety
  Poor mobility can increase the risk of falls, injuries, and other problems.

By supporting mobility, health and social care workers help promote dignity, comfort, and safety.

Factors Affecting Mobility

Mobility can be influenced by many factors. Some are physical, others relate to the person’s environment or mental state.

Physical factors include:

• Illness or injury, such as a stroke or a broken hip.
• Weakness, often due to getting older.
• Long-term conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or arthritis.
• Surgery, which may require a period of reduced movement afterwards.

Psychological and cognitive factors:

• Fear of falling can stop someone trying to move.
• Depression or low mood can reduce motivation for physical activity.
• Confusion or dementia can make moving difficult and unsafe.

Environmental factors:

• Cluttered or unsafe surroundings increase the risk of stumbling or falling.
• Poor lighting can make it hard to see where to step.
• Inaccessible or poorly laid-out rooms can prevent movement.

Knowing the barriers to mobility helps to support people better.

Assessing Mobility

Health and social care workers need to assess a person’s mobility clearly and openly. Assessment involves:

• Observing how someone moves, sits up, stands, turns, transfers, and walks.
• Testing balance and coordination.
• Asking the person if they feel confident or whether they have pain on movement.
• Identifying if any aids are used, and if they are suitable.
• Considering if changes in the environment would help.

Assessments can be formal or informal. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists often use recognised tools or scales. Workers should report any changes in a person’s mobility to the appropriate professional.

Promoting and Maintaining Mobility

There are many ways to support and promote mobility.

• Exercise
  Movement strengthens muscles and joints. Simple exercises, such as standing, walking, or reaching, can help.
• Mobility aids
  Walking sticks, frames, hoists, and handrails make movement safer and easier.
• Safe environment
  Clear walkways, good lighting, and non-slip flooring reduce risks.
• Encouragement
  Giving praise and boosting confidence encourages continued movement.
• Support with transfers
  Sometimes people need guidance or hands-on support when changing position.
• Appropriate footwear
  Well-fitting, non-slip shoes improve safety.
• Managing pain or other symptoms
  Pain relief or treatment for medical conditions can help a person move more freely.

Every plan to support mobility should involve the person receiving care. Their wishes, needs, and goals must guide the approach.

Impact of Limited Mobility

When mobility is reduced, there can be serious consequences. These include:

• Physical effects
  Weak muscles, pressure sores, chest infections, and constipation can all result from less movement.
• Emotional effects
  People may feel frustrated, isolated, or lose confidence.
• Social effects
  Limited mobility can lead to less social contact or involvement in activities.

Health and social care workers have a key role in spotting changes and seeking help. They should encourage movement, prevent complications, and report issues promptly.

Mobility Aids and Equipment

A wide range of equipment helps with mobility. Some examples include:

• Walking sticks or canes
  Support balance and help with walking over short distances.
• Walking frames
  Provide extra stability for people who feel unsteady.
• Wheelchairs
  Enable those who cannot walk to move around independently or with help.
• Hoists
  Used to transfer people who cannot move by themselves.
• Handrails or grab rails
  Placed in bathrooms or along corridors to help people pull themselves up or steady themselves.

Each aid needs to be chosen to suit the person’s needs, abilities, and wishes. Training is needed so both the person using the aid and the staff know how to use it safely.

Linking Mobility to Person-Centred Care

Person-centred care treats everyone as an individual. Their preferences, routines, and ambitions matter. You must listen and adapt mobility support to fit the person’s lifestyle and choices.

Ask questions such as:

• What does being able to move mean to you?
• How much support do you want or need?
• Are there any activities you wish to do more easily?

This respect for choice reduces frustration and improves motivation, safety, and outcomes.

Key Legislation and Standards

Several UK laws and standards affect how mobility is supported:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 says employers must provide safe working conditions. Correct moving and handling techniques protect both staff and service users.
• The Care Act 2014 places duties on local authorities to assess and meet eligible needs, which can include support with mobility.
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 cover the safe moving and handling of people and equipment.

There are also national guidelines for best practice. Staff must know local policies for risk assessments and moving and handling.

Supporting Different Needs

Every person’s situation is unique. Some might face limits after a hospital stay. Others might have a lifelong disability.

Support for mobility should always start with a person’s own strengths. Focus on what someone can do. Encourage independence wherever possible. Provide only the support actually needed.

Plan for changes, as needs can increase or decrease. Teamwork and regular reviews make sure support continues to fit.

Risks of Poor Mobility Support

If mobility is not encouraged correctly or support is lacking, avoidable harm can happen:

• Falls that lead to cuts, bruises, or broken bones.
• Pressure sores from being in one position for too long.
• Reduced heart and lung function.
• Loss of muscle and joint movement.
• Worsening depression or anxiety.

Staying alert to these risks keeps people safer and healthier.

Communicating About Mobility

Talking about mobility is part of your daily work. Let people know what is happening and ask how they feel when moving or transferring. Give clear instructions and reassure if they are anxious.

Communication tools help if someone has sight loss or hearing problems. Pictures or simple charts may help people with learning disabilities.

Accurate, up-to-date records share information between different workers and teams. Note things like:

• What help is needed with movement.
• Any new pain, swelling, or concerns.
• Changes in ability, balance, or mood.

Professional Development in Mobility

Health and social care staff should refresh skills in moving and supporting mobility. This includes:

• Attending moving and handling training.
• Learning to use mobility aids and equipment safely.
• Sharing best practice with colleagues.

Keeping knowledge current means care remains safe and effective.

Reflection and Self-Awareness

Good workers think about how their actions affect those they support. Ask yourself:

• Is this support giving the person as much independence as possible?
• Do I need extra advice or training?
• Have I noticed any changes in the person’s mobility?

Reflecting in this way helps you keep improving.

Final Thoughts

Mobility means much more than walking around. It includes all types of movement, from the smallest adjustment to being able to get out and about in the community.

In health and social care, supporting mobility makes a huge difference. It keeps people healthy, independent and feels rewarding for both the worker and person you support.

Always see the person first, not just their mobility needs. Offer encouragement, use the right aids, keep up to date, and communicate well. You will help someone to remain as active and fulfilled as possible.

Mobility is an everyday part of care – support it with respect and skill.