2.1 Agree mobility activities with the individual and others, according to the individual’s needs and abilities

This guide will help you answer 2.1 Agree mobility activities with the individual and others, according to the individual’s needs and abilities.

Working in health and social care brings responsibility for supporting people to move safely and comfortably. Mobility includes anything that helps a person to move, even if only a small amount. This might mean walking, standing, transferring from bed to chair, or using aids like a walking frame or wheelchair.

Agreeing mobility activities puts the person’s safety, preferences, and independence first. Workers involve the person and those important to them, such as family or carers. The person’s needs and wishes guide each decision, using knowledge of their abilities and medical background.

Understanding the Individual’s Needs and Abilities

You start planning safe movement by understanding what the person can do and what help they want. Take into account:

• Medical conditions or disabilities
• Short-term changes (e.g., after surgery or illness)
• Long-term or permanent needs
• How the person feels about moving and their confidence level
• Advice from health professionals (doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists)
• Cultural or religious beliefs that may influence activities

Some people fear falling or getting hurt. Others may feel embarrassed or worried about losing independence. Listen closely. Ask simple, direct questions such as:

• “How would you like to move today?”
• “Would you like to try this with or without help?”
• “What feels comfortable for you?”

Involving the Individual

Involvement means more than just asking for agreement. It is about genuine partnership and respect for the person’s right to make choices about their care.

To involve someone properly, use these approaches:

• Offer clear, practical options and explain each one
• Use language they understand; avoid technical terms unless they ask for detail
• Give plenty of time for decisions
• Explain why an activity is suggested and the benefits or risks
• Check what matters most to them: independence, privacy, family support, or emotional reassurance
• Give them real choice about who helps and when movement takes place

Each individual may respond differently. Listening and observation matter. Non-verbal cues like body language and facial expressions can reveal discomfort or anxiety, even if the person does not speak out.

Working with Others

Others can be anyone helping with care. This includes:

• Family members
• Friends
• Work colleagues (support workers, nurses, senior carers)
• External professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, GPs)

Gather information from everyone involved. Some may offer vital insights. For instance, a physiotherapist could advise on safe methods to increase strength, while a family member knows what helps keep a person calm or motivated.

Regular discussions avoid misunderstandings. This team approach stops risks, such as falls, and supports the individual’s goals. Record meetings and agreements about mobility in care notes.

Communication Methods

Communication during planning and delivery of mobility support needs care. Consider the person’s communication method or needs.

Use:

• Verbal discussion
• Written information with visual aids or pictures
• Sign language or symbol boards for people with communication difficulties
• Interpreter support for those whose first language is not English

Always check the person understands what is being suggested. Ask open questions and invite them to repeat back instructions in their own words.

Informed Consent

Before carrying out any mobility activity, gain informed consent. Consent means the person agrees to take part, knows risks and benefits, and does not feel pressured.

Consent can be:

• Verbal
• Written (for more risky or complex activities)
• Implied (shown through actions, like standing up and holding a walking frame)

If someone cannot give informed consent due to mental capacity issues, follow the Mental Capacity Act 2005. In this case, decisions are made in the person’s best interests with input from family, professionals, and sometimes the courts.

Record what was agreed, how consent was given, and any changes in the care plan.

Risk Assessment

Always look at any risks before supporting movement. Mobility activities without proper planning can cause injury, distress, or accidents.

Complete a risk assessment by:

• Checking for trip hazards or obstacles in the room
• Making sure equipment is in working order and appropriate
• Spotting signs of pain, tiredness, or medical complications
• Adjusting the plan if the person’s condition changes (for example, suddenly feeling weak or dizzy)

Record findings and share them with others involved in the care.

Selecting Mobility Activities

Select activities to match what the person needs and wants. This might include:

• Walking with or without aids
• Gentle exercises in bed or seated
• Transferring from bed to chair, toilet, or bath
• Standing with minimal assistance
• Practising balance, stretching, or strength-building routines
• Accessing hobbies that involve movement, such as gardening

Use advice from physiotherapists or occupational therapists. Look for guidance in care plans or rehabilitation programmes. Start with small steps if the person lacks confidence or has been inactive for some time.

Adapting the Environment

Sometimes, changing the environment supports safe movement. This could mean:

• Removing rugs, wires, or clutter that cause trips
• Adjusting lighting so the person can see clearly
• Installing handrails or grab bars
• Providing non-slip mats
• Adjusting furniture to the right height
• Ensuring mobility aids are within easy reach

Ask the individual what helps them feel secure and confident. Encourage feedback after each session to make improvements.

Using Mobility Aids and Equipment

Some people rely on aids such as:

• Walking frames or sticks
• Wheelchairs
• Hoists and lifting equipment
• Transfer boards
• Special footwear or splints

Check the equipment is clean, working, and set up for that person’s height and needs. Seek training before using new equipment. Never improvise or use equipment in a way it wasn’t designed for, as this can cause injury.

Keep equipment within reach to encourage independence where safe.

Involving Family, Friends, and Advocates

Family, friends, or advocates might have useful insights. They know routines, triggers, and preferences that workers may not notice straight away.

Ask the individual’s permission to involve others. Sometimes people want privacy or feel more comfortable trying new activities alone. Respect these feelings.

If the person wants someone present, encourage family or friends to support, guide, and praise effort. This helps build confidence and trust.

Working Within Organisational Policies and Law

Follow procedures set out in your workplace’s policies. These show how to approach mobility safely, who to contact if help is needed, and how to record decisions.

Work within the law:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
• Equality Act 2010
• Data Protection Act 2018 (for recording and sharing information)
• Mental Capacity Act 2005

If in doubt, ask a senior colleague or refer to your training resources. Never risk trying unapproved methods or ignoring agreed support plans.

Recording and Reporting

Careful recording provides a clear track of what’s agreed, what has been tried, and any outcomes.

Log:

• What was discussed and who was present
• What the person agreed to
• Support needed and any changes made
• Observations during activities (fatigue, confidence, refusal to participate)
• Reasons for changing the plan, if relevant

Share information as directed by your organisation’s procedures. Always respect confidentiality.

Dealing with Challenges

Sometimes people refuse to take part or struggle with mobility activities. Reasons might be:

• Pain or discomfort
• Emotional upset, including anxiety or fear of falling
• Not understanding what is being asked
• Wanting to do things independently, without support

Stay calm and patient. Use reassuring words. Offer choices at every stage. If behaviour causes risks (e.g., sudden attempts to stand without warning), increase supervision or look for triggers. Discuss problems with the person and others involved to find solutions.

Supporting Independence and Promoting Dignity

Encourage people to do as much as they can for themselves. This builds self-esteem and keeps abilities for longer.

Support independence by:

• Breaking tasks into manageable steps
• Using prompts or reminders
• Giving choice as often as possible
• Praising effort, not just achievement

Dignity means treating people with respect at all times. Always allow privacy, especially with intimate tasks, and never rush or speak over someone.

Keeping the Individual’s Goals at the Centre

Every care plan must respect personal goals. Goals can be:

• Simple, like getting to the dining room alone
• Focused on leisure, like joining a regular exercise group
• Related to daily living, such as being able to use the toilet unaided

Review these goals often. Celebrate progress and update the plan as the person’s needs change. Involve the individual fully in all reviews and ask for their thoughts on what is working or not.

Reviewing and Reflecting

Ongoing review helps notice what works and what can improve. Set time aside to:

• Ask for feedback from the person and others involved
• Reassess risks
• Adjust mobility activities if the person’s condition changes
• Update equipment as needed

Use supervision sessions to discuss concerns and best practice. Recording your reflections can support professional development.

Final Thoughts

Agreeing mobility activities involves careful planning, consent, and teamwork. Each person has the right to safe movement choices that reflect their needs and wishes.

Listen to the individual. Respect their choices. Involve others, but always let the person take the lead where possible. Use professional advice and legal requirements to safeguard everyone.

Keep records clear and up to date. Reflect on your practice and seek advice when unsure. Your active support helps each person stay mobile, independent, and confident in their daily life.