TOILETING & MOBILITY

Physiotherapy for Toileting and Mobility Difficulties

ACP helps older people with the mobility aspects of toileting, including transfers, walking, balance, strength and safe movement.

Wheelchair mobility

Why toileting can become physically difficult

Getting to the toilet requires several movements in sequence: rolling or standing, transferring, walking, turning and sitting down. Weakness, pain, poor balance, neurological changes or reduced reaction speed can make any part of this sequence difficult.

How physiotherapy helps with this

Physiotherapy breaks the task into the movements that need improvement and practises them safely. Strength, balance, transfers, walking and mobility-aid training can make toileting mobility safer and reduce unnecessary dependence.

What is Toileting?

For some older people, the physical challenge is getting up, transferring, walking to the toilet and sitting down safely rather than continence itself.

What problems can people face?

People may have difficulty getting out of bed, standing, walking to the toilet, turning, sitting down or managing a walking aid. Night-time toileting can be particularly challenging.

What can happen when it is not addressed?

Rushing to the toilet or attempting transfers without adequate support can increase falls risk. Increasing dependence can also affect privacy, confidence and dignity.

How ACP can help

ACP can assess bed mobility, sit-to-stand, transfers, walking, balance, strength, mobility aids and functional toileting mobility. We work alongside nursing, continence and occupational therapy professionals where required.

When should physiotherapy be considered?

Consider physiotherapy when an older person's mobility is making toileting difficult or unsafe.

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RELATED ACP GUIDES

Other areas ACP can help with

Further information: Healthdirect Australia