HCS128-Mobility Assessment Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Mobility Assessment Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all people we support at {{org_field_name}} receive comprehensive mobility assessments to promote safe movement, independence, and dignity while reducing the risk of falls, injuries, and manual handling accidents.

This policy aligns with the Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland), the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, the Moving and Handling Regulations 1998, the Falls Prevention Framework, and the Scottish Manual Handling Passport Scheme (SMHPS). It ensures that mobility assessments are conducted in line with best practices and legal requirements, safeguarding both service users and staff while maintaining high-quality care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All staff members involved in assessing and supporting mobility needs, including care workers, senior care staff, and managers.
All individuals receiving care services from {{org_field_name}}, including those who require assistance with standing, walking, transferring, or repositioning.
Care managers and supervisors, who are responsible for overseeing the implementation of safe mobility practices and reviewing assessments.

This policy covers:

Initial mobility assessments and reassessments
Identification of risks related to mobility
Use of assistive equipment and aids
Training requirements for staff
Documentation and record-keeping

3. Responsibilities

Management Responsibilities

Ensure that all people we support have a mobility assessment as part of their care plan.
Provide ongoing training for staff on mobility assessment, safe moving and handling, and the use of mobility aids.
Maintain compliance with health and safety regulations, including risk assessments for mobility needs.
Ensure mobility assessments are reviewed regularly or when there is a change in the person’s condition.
Provide access to appropriate equipment, such as hoists, transfer belts, walkers, and wheelchairs.
Respond to feedback from staff and service users regarding mobility challenges and make improvements where necessary.

Care Staff Responsibilities

Conduct or update mobility assessments for the people we support and ensure any risks are identified.
Follow safe manual handling techniques to protect both themselves and the person receiving care.
Use mobility aids correctly, ensuring they are in good working order.
Encourage people we support to maintain or improve mobility, promoting independence where possible.
Report any changes in mobility status to the management team immediately.
Document all mobility support and interventions in care records.

People We Support and Their Families

Engage in mobility assessments and planning to ensure their needs, preferences, and comfort are considered.
Provide feedback on mobility support to help improve care quality.
Use recommended mobility aids correctly and report any issues with equipment.

4. Mobility Assessment Process

4.1 Initial Mobility Assessment

A mobility assessment must be conducted for every individual receiving care before services commence. The assessment evaluates:

Physical abilities (e.g., balance, strength, flexibility, coordination).
Level of assistance required (e.g., independent, minimal, moderate, or full assistance).
History of falls or mobility-related incidents.
Medical conditions affecting mobility, such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or muscular conditions.
Cognitive and sensory factors, such as dementia or vision impairment.
Use of current mobility aids and whether adjustments or upgrades are needed.

A person-centred approach must be used, considering the individual’s preferences, safety, and dignity.

4.2 Risk Assessment for Falls and Injury Prevention

Falls are a leading cause of injury for individuals receiving care. As part of the mobility assessment, a Falls Risk Assessment will be conducted, identifying:

History of previous falls and their causes.
Environmental hazards (e.g., clutter, slippery floors, poor lighting).
Footwear suitability (e.g., non-slip shoes).
Medication that may affect balance, such as sedatives or blood pressure medication.
Vision and hearing impairments, which may contribute to mobility risks.
Behavioural risks, such as wandering in dementia patients.

Where a risk of falling is identified, preventative measures must be put in place, including:

Regular review of medication that affects mobility.
Environmental modifications, such as grab rails and anti-slip mats.
Use of alarms or monitoring systems for high-risk individuals.

4.3 Reassessment and Ongoing Monitoring

Mobility needs change over time, so reassessments must be conducted:

At least every 6 months for individuals with stable mobility.
Immediately following a fall or mobility-related incident.
When a person’s health condition changes (e.g., post-surgery, deterioration due to progressive illness).
At the request of the person receiving care or their family.

All reassessments must be documented, reviewed, and incorporated into the care plan.

5. Safe Moving and Handling Procedures

5.1 Manual Handling and Transfer Techniques

To protect both staff and service users, all moving and handling must comply with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 and the Scottish Manual Handling Passport Scheme (SMHPS). Safe techniques include:

Using proper body mechanics to prevent injury (e.g., bending at the knees, keeping the back straight).
Ensuring two-person assistance for complex transfers.
Using approved hoists, slings, transfer boards, and stand aids when required.
Communicating with the person being supported to ensure they are comfortable and understand each step.
Avoiding manual lifting unless absolutely necessary, using appropriate equipment instead.

5.2 Equipment and Assistive Devices

Mobility aids must be:

Provided and maintained in good working condition.
Individually assessed to ensure they meet the specific needs of the person using them.
Used only by trained staff, ensuring safe operation.
Regularly inspected for wear and tear, with issues reported immediately.

Common mobility aids used include:

Walking sticks and frames for stability.
Wheelchairs and power chairs for non-ambulatory individuals.
Hoists and slings for safe transfers.
Bed rails and grab bars to assist movement.

6. Staff Training and Competency

All staff must undergo mandatory training in moving and handling before providing mobility support. Training must include:

Manual handling risk assessments.
Safe lifting techniques.
Falls prevention strategies.
Correct use of mobility aids and assistive equipment.
Communication techniques for supporting mobility.

Refresher training should be conducted annually or as needed when new equipment is introduced.

7. Documentation and Record Keeping

Mobility assessments and interventions must be fully documented in the person’s care plan, including:

Initial mobility assessment results.
Risk assessments and falls prevention measures.
Use of mobility aids and adjustments made.
Incident reports for falls or mobility-related issues.
Training records for staff involved in mobility support.

Accurate record-keeping ensures compliance with Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations and provides evidence of best practice in case of incidents.

8. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

Falls Prevention Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Manual Handling and Moving Policy
Risk Assessment and Management Policy
Staff Training and Development Policy

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

New legislation or Care Inspectorate guidance is introduced.
A significant incident or near-miss occurs that requires a policy update.
Feedback from staff or people we support indicates improvements are needed.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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