Assessing mobility level

Being able to recognise mobility challenges will help you in talking to and getting the right help from your healthcare team

Mobility challenges may come from weakened muscles, nerve issues, problems with the inner ear or vision, even some medications can affect mobilization. It is important to communicate any changes or concerns with your healthcare team. Here are some examples of how to  recognize signs of mobility challenges, and when it’s important to ask for support.

Changes in Walking and Balance

• Dragging or sliding your feet while walking.
• Swaying from side to side while standing or walking.
• Leaning on furniture, walls, or people for support while standing or walking.
• Having trouble walking in a straight line or tending to veer to one side.
• Uncontrolled changes in how fast or slow you walk.
• Needing extra time to stand up and start moving.
• Dizziness or feeling faint when standing or walking.

Difficulty with Daily Activities

• Difficulty getting in and out of bed.
• Struggling to stand up from a chair.
• Difficulty with climbing stairs.
• Trouble getting in and out of the shower/tub.
• Difficulty getting on and off the toilet.
• Finding it hard to carry things while walking.
• Trouble reaching for items or picking things up from the ground.

Worries about Falling

• Regularly tripping or stumbling.
• Avoiding certain movements or activities due to fear of falling, like going outside, bathing or using the stairs.
• Falling repeatedly.

Becoming tired more easily

• Getting more tired during everyday tasks.
• Needing more breaks to rest.
• Having to sit down more often when doing things.

When to ask for help

If you see ongoing signs of difficulty moving, talk to your healthcare team. Be ready to share specific details about what you’ve noticed, how often it happens, and any other symptoms you might be having. This will help your healthcare team figure out what’s going on and decide the best way to help.