Mobility Support Care

Mobility support provides practical help for someone who finds standing, walking, transferring or moving around difficult. It may include assistance getting out of bed, standing from a chair, moving between rooms and completing personal care.

Support is based on an individual assessment, the person’s abilities and relevant professional guidance. The aim is to make everyday movement safer and easier while maintaining confidence and independence.

Mobility support may help someone whose movement has been affected by illness, disability, injury, surgery or changes in strength and balance.

It may also be suitable following a fall or hospital stay. The need for support is determined by how mobility difficulties affect the person’s daily life, rather than by one particular diagnosis.

We assess what they can manage and where help would be useful.

Yes, when walking support has been assessed and included in the care plan. A carer may help the person move between rooms or access different areas of their home using the agreed technique.

 They can also support the correct use of prescribed mobility equipment. The person’s current ability, safety and professional guidance determine how support should be provided.

A carer may help with assessed transfers, such as moving between a bed and chair or standing from a seated position. The correct technique must be recorded in the care plan, and the carer must have suitable training.

 Any required equipment must be available and used as instructed. If the person’s ability changes, the transfer plan may need reviewing by an appropriate professional.

Mobility support can contribute to safer daily routines, but it cannot guarantee that someone will never fall. A carer can follow an agreed mobility plan, keep essential areas clear and report changes in movement or balance.

Falls can have several contributing factors, so a GP or specialist falls assessment may also be appropriate.

A carer may support the person to use prescribed equipment when this has been assessed and included in the care plan. This might include an appropriate walking aid or transfer device.

Carers do not choose, prescribe or modify mobility equipment. An occupational therapist, physiotherapist or another qualified professional should assess which equipment is suitable and explain how it must be used.

The carer will follow the person’s care plan and the appropriate emergency procedure. The NHS advises calling 999 if someone may have injured their head, back, neck or hip, or cannot get up.

Carers should not attempt to lift someone manually from the floor. If the person may be in pain, injured or unwell, NHS 111 can provide advice.

Yes. Losing confidence can lead someone to avoid activities they previously enjoyed. A carer can provide reassurance, allow enough time and support movement in line with the agreed care plan.

They can also help the person continue with everyday routines and social activities. Any programme intended to improve strength, balance or physical ability should be designed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Mobility Support helps anyone experiencing difficulty with movement, whatever the cause. Arthritis Care focuses specifically on joint pain, stiffness and the daily limitations caused by arthritis.

Someone living with arthritis may benefit from both approaches, but their care plan should remain clear about the reasons support is needed and how it should be provided.

Mobility Support focuses specifically on movement, transfers and physical assistance.

Frailty Care addresses wider vulnerability, which may include reduced resilience, general weakness and several health needs affecting daily safety. 

Reduced mobility may form part of frailty, but the two are not identical. An assessment helps establish which type of support best reflects the person’s overall needs.