Restoring confidence in mobility

The hierarchy of mobility is put into place so that clients are able to regain confidence and skills in a safe and practical manner. The largest base of support and ultimately the most important mobility skill starts with bed mobility. This is placed at the beginning because it is crucial for a client to be able to functionally move around in bed and perform various positions. Once this skill is mastered transfers to mats, wheelchairs, and beds can be performed. These skills are necessary to accomplish so that the client can move up the hierarchy and begin to perform ADL’s and eventually integrate skills for community mobility. This is how I would expect the hierarchy to be set up, and it is evident that the mobility skills are arranged to build on one another. This system is very similar to what I have observed in the past working in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. The OT’s I have shadowed put an emphasis on the importance of bed mobility and stressed that preparation for transfers is equally as important. I agree with this approach as it necessary to build mobility skills at a slower rate to ensure safety and comprehension. Along the way the client will not feel too overwhelmed and can still feel accomplished reaching new skills.