Mobility & Transfers

    Often times our ability to move independently is overlooked or taken advantage of. There is actually a hierarchy of mobility skills that a person must be able to do to be considered independently mobile. I created a graphic to help explain this hierarchy. The numbers are listed from least mobile (#1) to most mobile (#9). 

    This order of mobility is what I would expect after having experienced assisting with most of these types of mobilities. I agree with this order because it listed #1 as bed mobility, which means that the person can only move within their bed. Then with mat transfers, you have a person that is able to transfer to and from a mat (usually at a clinic). A wheelchair transfer would need to be next because it's difficulty for the patient is slightly increased. I learned in our lab that this is more complicated because sometimes with wheelchair transfers you have to use a transfer board to help the client onto the mat. Using transfer boards definitely takes patience and a lot of practice. Bed transfers are next on the list since the client sometimes has to use their own strength to help the practitioner when transferring off of the bed. This can be difficult and may involve the strength of the patient. Functional ambulation of ADL simply means moving independently to do a certain activity of daily living. This can be hygiene routines, dressing, or even feeding themselves. Toilet and tub transfers can be tricky due to water being involved and increasing the chance of injury. More mobility would be needed by the patient. Car transfers are next because to transfer from a wheelchair to a car, in my experience, the patient must be able to stand, only for a minute, to transfer into the car. Functional ambulation of community mobility is close to the end of the list because this is a fairly independent mobility, except for maybe needing slight assistance. Finally, full community mobility and driving are being fully independent and not needing any assistance. 

    While in Biomechanics lab, I learned firsthand just how difficult it can be for someone who has limited mobility. Having to rely on someone to help you do movements that you need to do every day takes a lot of trust. That's why it is so important as an OT practitioner to help clients feel comfortable and to be patient as possible with everyone you work with.