Mobility concerns refer to difficulties or limitations in movement, such as walking, standing, or maintaining balance, which can impact a person’s ability to perform daily tasks and maintain independence.
Tips & Links
Mobility concerns or changes caused by muscle weakness, joint problems, pain, disease, treatments side effects, and/or changes in your brain and nervous system. These changes may be temporary or permanent.
Learn More
- Know that individuals with changing health needs or disabilities may experience challenges maintaining their strength and balance, increasing the risk of falls and injury.
- Chronic health conditions like arthritis or muscular degeneration can lead to weakened muscles, making it harder to walk, stand for long periods, or perform other physical tasks. Learn more about mobility concerns from the Government of BC.
- Learn how to get a free home safety assessment from the Government of BC.
- Explore the many ways you can prevent falls from the Government of BC.
- Know that the health care professional who conducts your home safety assessment usually provides a list of recommended mobility aids and equipment to support your daily functioning.
- Learn about funding for mobility aids/devices from sources such as Pharmacare, BC Disability, Community Living BC, and First Nations Health Authority depending on the need and situation.
Things You Can Do
- Be aware of how your health conditions, surgery, treatments and/or medications can impact your mobility.
- Learn how to improve your muscle strength and mobility from the Government of BC.
- Seek out physical assessments for any changes in your mobility or risk for falling by your physician or physiotherapist.
- Complete your own home safety checklist to ensure your space is safe and free from tripping hazards.
- Consider having a home safety assessment even if your mobility changes are temporary to ensure your safety. Record the list of equipment or home modifications suggested.
- Explore Ability 411 for recommendations about mobility aids/devices, how to source them, and supports for financial assistance across Canada.
- Look into the Red Cross equipment loan program for mobility aids. Also check out your local hospital for long or short-term loaning programs.
- Explore the many transportation options for people with physical limitations in BC such as HandyDART, Translink, TaxiSaver, and community non-profit ride-share programs.
- Learn how to get a special parking permit from SPARC-BC Social Planning & Research Council of BC.
Talk with your family and care partners and complete the activities Changes in My Personal Needs and Getting a Home Care or Safety–Assessment.