The key to fully enjoying life as a senior citizen lies with the level of physical mobility that they have.
The level of mobility one enjoys in later years makes all the difference in how much life is enjoyable and a loss of mobility contributes greatly towards feelings of helplessness and unhappiness. The restrictions which come with not being able to do as much as before can be self-limiting especially where there is chronic pain and stiffness. This is one of the many challenges associated with caring for an elderly parent or challenges caring for elderly people in general.
Why regular assessment matters
It’s important therefore to conduct regular mobility assessments where necessary in order to establish the range and scope of movement and to manage any long term pain along with any new developments in condition. According to the Live-in Care Hub, the loss of mobility is a large factor in depression in older people.
Mobility assessments are always used in a hospital setting usually prior to sending a patient home primarily to establish whether they can cope with day to day tasks at home or need rehabilitation in a care home. They can also be carried out in a person’s own home if their spouse or other relative lives there to care for the, as long as they are conducted by a suitably qualified health professional such as a physiotherapist. Where mobility is very limited and the spouse is unable to act as carer then a professional live-in carer can be employed. This is a great way to keep elderly parents together when only one needs care.
How an assessment is carried out
The mobility assessment is an essential tool in helping to evaluate function of the limbs in order to prevent or manage chronic disability. Before any physical assessment can be carried out there will be an examination of the person’s recent history. For instance any falls they may have had or any deterioration in mobilising will be recorded, noted and used to decide on what format the physical assessment will take. Where there is recent evidence of multiple falls this can indicate a general decline in overall health and may indicate a need for greater medical intervention before the issue of mobility can be fully addressed.
An assessment will depend heavily on how well or otherwise the elderly person can move. In those who are generally fit and well and able to get around fairly freely the assessment could be as simple as observing how well and how far the person can walk unaided or using a stick, crutches or walking frame. But sometimes a more complex method is employed to assess mobility levels.
Where appropriate the assessment can then become progressively more complex depending on the needs of the individual. This will be carried out in a supervised, safe and controlled setting. A visit to a local clinic or GP surgery may be necessary. Tasks to be observed may include things like:
- Standing and balancing and whether this needs to be done whilst holding onto something
- Reaching out with the arms out to the side then raised
- Reaching the arms out in front of the body
- Rising from a seated position and sitting down again
- Leaning to one side then the other
- Turning the head or the whole body
The general gait will be monitored to watch for any changes or abnormalities.
Mobility assessments are nothing to worry about but are useful tools to determine whether an elderly person can safely function independently at home.
