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Minimising risk by optimising safe mobility


A practical look at how safe mobility, suitable equipment and skilled care can reduce risk for people who live and work in care homes.


In the care environment, key risks associated with impaired mobility for residents include: For residents, the consequences of


immobility can lead to multiple health risks including urinary incontinence, cognitive impairment, falls, pressure ulcer.1


General


deconditioning including muscle loss, frailty and functional decline.2 For caregivers, manually assisting


residents has been seen to be a key contributor of musculoskeletal injury and pain among nurses and therapists.3,4 In this article, we offer examples of how to


optimise resident mobility while minimising risk of caregiver injury.


Maximising resident mobility around the clock During a 24-hour period, residents with reduced mobility can be expected to transfer multiple times per day. For more immobile patients this may include regular repositioning in bed or chair to minimise the risk of pressure ulcers and other conditions. Mobilisation can often be seen as an


activity that is only facilitated by a therapist. However, there are many opportunities for all caregivers to integrate mobility into the individuals’ 24-hour care pathway.5,6


Minimising risk to caregivers It is important to consider how to support each resident in activities of daily living with minimal risk of caregiver harm. As defined in ISO/TR 12296:2012 Ergonomics — Manual Handling of People in the Healthcare Sector, 2012,7


the risk of musculoskeletal disorders include:


n capacity, experience and qualification of caregivers


n number, type and condition of residents n awkward postures and force exertion n inadequacy (or absence) of equipment n restricted spaces where residents are assisted


n lack of education and training in caregivers’ specific tasks.


An ergonomic approach can have a significant impact on reducing risk from manual patient handling.7


Arjo’s Positive Eight™ Arjo’s Positive Eight philosophy aligns closely with the International Standard, as it is underpinned by three tenets - setting the right environment, having the right equipment and utilising the right care skills, which directly affects the quality of care received and the quality of work performed by the caregiver.8 Promoting resident mobility is the


factors influencing


driving force behind the Positive Eight – our philosophy for generating long-term benefits for residents, caregivers and care facilities (Illustration 1, below). Investing in suitable assistive equipment, ensuring that there is enough space to move safely and adopting the best caregiver practices can provide the optimal conditions to promote and enhance mobility and resident wellbeing safely and efficiently. This can lead


6 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com September 2026 Illustration 1: Positive Eight


to better care, improved financial outcomes and ongoing investment in mobility, creating a continuous cycle of improvement symbolised by the figure 8. By determining the functional mobility


level of the residents in your care, you can define their functional ability, and any equipment they may need, which then indicates the support required to ensure minimum risk for staff and residents, as well as highlighting the optimal space for each resident and caregiver to work safely.


Arjo’s Mobility Gallery Arjo’s Mobility Gallery is a functional assessment tool to support you when reviewing your residents’ needs according to their functional mobility level.


Volume 11 Issue 8 September 2026


CARE HOME


ENVIRONMENT www.thecarehomeenvironment.com


Care Show Birmingham ‘26: Navigating change for a stronger future


Designing care homes for dignity, sustainability and quality


Minimising risk by optimising safe mobility


THE


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