Mobility Support

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) for non-medical home care with children, mobility refers to the ability to move, walk, and get around the home or environment safely and independently. It involves both physical movement and safety considerations, ensuring that the child is able to engage in daily activities while minimizing risks or falls. This can encompass a range of tasks, depending on the child's age, abilities, and developmental stage. Here are the key elements of mobility within the home care setting:


1. Walking and Moving Around

Infants and Toddlers: Younger children who are still developing motor skills may need assistance with crawling, walking, and transitioning from sitting to standing. Caregivers may provide physical support or encouragement as they develop their mobility.

Preschoolers: Children who have learned to walk but may still be developing coordination may need reminders or help in navigating stairs or uneven surfaces. At this stage, children might need to be physically guided when they are learning new movement skills or navigating complex environments.

Older Children: School-age children and older typically need less assistance in moving around, but a caregiver might need to ensure that they are engaging in physical activities like walking to school, playtime, or helping them after a long period of rest.


2. Transferring (Getting In and Out of Beds, Chairs, etc.)

Infants: For infants, mobility includes being lifted in and out of cribs, playpens, or high chairs safely. This may involve lifting them carefully, supporting their heads and necks as necessary.

Toddlers and Young Children: For toddlers, mobility support may include helping them get in and out of their beds, chairs, or car seats. For example, caregivers may assist in getting children in and out of a high chair or helping them transition from lying down to sitting up.

Older Children: At this age, children typically manage on their own, but caregivers might step in for assistance if a child has a temporary injury or difficulty with mobility due to illness or fatigue.


3. Assistive Devices

Mobility Aids: Some children may require assistive devices to help with mobility, particularly those with physical disabilities. This might include wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches. Caregivers assist with proper use of these devices and ensuring that they are adjusted appropriately for the child's needs.

Carrying and Lifting: Depending on the child’s mobility or age, caregivers may need to lift or carry the child in and out of different settings. For example, carrying a young child to their car seat or from room to room if they are too tired or unsteady to walk.


4. Navigating the Environment

Home Safety: It’s important for caregivers to ensure that the home is free of hazards, such as sharp corners, slippery floors, or obstacles that may impede a child’s ability to walk or move safely.

Stairs and Elevation Changes: Young children and toddlers may need extra support when navigating stairs or steps. Caregivers may need to hold their hand or physically guide them. Caregivers should also supervise children closely when using the stairs or uneven ground to prevent falls.

Walking Outdoors: When outdoors, mobility may involve guiding children on walking trips, ensuring they move safely on uneven ground, or assisting them in activities such as riding a bike or using a scooter. For older children, caregivers may help with directions or provide physical guidance, especially when children are involved in more active play like running or playing sports.


5. Standing and Balance

Balance Support: Many younger children are still working on balancing themselves, especially when walking or standing for long periods. Caregivers may need to hold their hands for support, encourage them to practice standing, and prevent falls by ensuring that the environment is safe.

Physical Play: Active play and exercises that involve jumping, running, or other activities that challenge a child’s balance require supervision and support. Ensuring a safe area where the child can practice physical activities is important.


6. Getting In and Out of Vehicles

Transportation Assistance: Some children, particularly younger ones or those with disabilities, may need assistance with entering and exiting vehicles, especially in car seats, boosters, or with seatbelts. This may also involve ensuring that the child is safely buckled into their seat and that they can access their seat without injury.


7. Therapeutic Exercises or Physical Therapy

Rehabilitation Support: In some cases, children may have mobility limitations or challenges that require physical therapy or rehabilitation. Caregivers may be involved in facilitating recommended exercises or stretches to help with strength, flexibility, and coordination. This may involve encouraging physical therapy exercises at home, such as balance exercises or walking drills.


8. Supervision During Play and Activities

Active Supervision: Children are often physically active, and caregivers are responsible for ensuring that they are able to move about safely. This might mean actively supervising outdoor play, especially in environments like playgrounds, or guiding the child during games and activities that require mobility.

Safety Measures: Caregivers may set boundaries on where the child can move within the home to ensure they do not get hurt (e.g., not allowing them to climb furniture or venture near hazardous areas such as the kitchen or stairs).


Conclusion

In non-medical home care for children, mobility is a key component of ensuring the child can engage in day-to-day activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Caregivers play a central role in facilitating mobility, whether it's through direct assistance, supervision, or ensuring a safe and accessible environment for the child to move freely. As children grow and develop, their mobility needs will evolve, and caregivers must adapt to provide the appropriate level of support.