Supporting Mobility During Physical Therapy Month

Getting out of bed, walking to the bathroom, or standing at the kitchen counter might not seem like much. But for someone recovering from an illness or having a harder time moving around, those everyday tasks can take effort. They can also bring up worries that are difficult to put into words. Will I lose my balance? Will it hurt? What if I need help and no one is nearby?

October is National Physical Therapy Month, a time to recognize the physical therapists who help people work through movement challenges. For caregivers, it is also a reminder to pay attention to what happens at home between appointments. The instructions a client receives need to fit into a day that includes getting dressed, eating meals, using the bathroom, and spending time with family.

At Griswold Home Care for Chevy Chase, supporting those daily routines is an important part of what we do. Caregivers can help clients follow the guidance in their care plans while respecting their comfort, preferences, and independence.

Start with what matters to the person

A client may not describe their goal as “improving mobility.” They may simply want to sit on the porch again, get to the dining table for breakfast, or walk to the bathroom with the support their care team recommends.

Ask what they miss doing. The answer can help you understand why a particular task matters. Someone who seems uninterested in leaving their bedroom may be more willing to try when there is a familiar activity waiting for them, such as having coffee in their usual chair.

That does not mean every client should be encouraged to walk more or do more. What is appropriate depends on the person and their care plan. It means taking the time to understand their wishes and working within the directions provided by their healthcare team.

Give everyday tasks enough time

It is easy to step in when someone takes longer to button a shirt or get ready for a meal. Sometimes help is needed. Other times, the person needs a few extra minutes to do the task themselves.

Before taking over, ask, “Would you like some help?” or “Do you want to try that part first?” A client may want assistance with one step and prefer to handle the rest. Allowing that choice can make personal care feel less frustrating.

Try to leave enough time in the routine so the client does not feel rushed. Keep the items they need nearby, explain what you are about to do, and follow the assistance instructions in the care plan. If a task has become harder or the client needs more help than usual, let the office know rather than making your own changes to the approach.

Look at the room from the client’s perspective

A room can look tidy and still be difficult to move through. A bag beside a chair, shoes in the hallway, or a table moved a few inches can get in the way of a familiar route.

Pay attention to the paths the client uses throughout the day. Can they reach the bathroom without navigating around clutter? Is there adequate lighting? Is their prescribed mobility equipment accessible when they need it?

Talk with the client before moving their belongings. Familiar surroundings matter, and rearranging everything without asking can create confusion. If you notice a concern that needs a larger change, bring it to the office and family’s attention so it can be addressed together.

Follow the therapist’s instructions

When a client receives physical therapy, caregivers should know which instructions apply to their daily care. If directions are missing or unclear, contact the office so questions can be clarified with the appropriate person.

Do not add exercises, change how you assist with a transfer, or assume an activity is appropriate because another client does it. Each person has different needs. Follow the care plan and any instructions that have been communicated and approved for your role.

Encouragement should stay calm and respectful. If a client reports pain, feels unwell, or says they cannot continue, take that seriously and follow the care plan for reporting concerns. Pushing someone to finish an activity can make them feel unheard and leave important questions unanswered.

Notice changes and share the details

Caregivers often see clients doing the same tasks over several visits. That familiarity can help you notice when something changes. A client who usually gets dressed with minimal assistance might suddenly need more help. They may hesitate before standing or mention discomfort during a familiar routine.

Be specific when reporting what you observed. “She needed more help getting out of her chair this morning than she did yesterday” tells the office more than “She seemed off.” Include what happened, when it happened, and what the client told you. Follow office procedures and the care plan for urgent concerns, falls, or emergencies.

Support that fits daily life

Physical therapy and home care have different roles. Physical therapists assess and treat movement concerns. Griswold caregivers provide support with daily activities, personal care, companionship, and mobility assistance as outlined in the client’s care plan.

For a family, that help may mean knowing someone is there during the morning routine or keeping the office informed when a loved one needs additional assistance. For a client, it may mean having enough time to get dressed without feeling hurried.

This October, remember that everyday care deserves attention too. Ask before helping, follow the instructions, and speak up when something changes. These are practical ways to support the person in front of you, one routine at a time.

📞 Call us at (301)-949-3824
🌐 www.griswoldhomecare.com/chevy-chase
📍 Serving Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, and surrounding Montgomery County communities.

About the Author:
Erin Pickrell, Director
Inspired by her mother’s 20+ year legacy with Griswold Home Care, Erin Pickrell developed a lifelong passion for serving others and making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit and caregiving space. As Director, she is committed to delivering exceptional experiences for both clients and caregivers, while fostering a compassionate, connected care community. Erin is a Certified Senior Advisor and a Certified Dementia Practitioner, dedicated to continually advancing the quality of in-home care.