Supporting mobility to enhance wellbeing and independence

Sutton Carers Centre
14 hours ago
3 min read

Caring for someone with reduced mobility can be both rewarding and challenging. Mobility

isn’t just about getting from A to B - it's deeply connected to independence, mental wellbeing, physical health, and overall quality of life.

For Carers, understanding how to support mobility through the right services, equipment, and concessions can make a huge difference to the person they care for and to their own caregiving experience.

This blog explores how you can access occupational therapy, mobility schemes, and financial support, as well as how staying active can boost wellbeing for both the Carers and the person they support.

The role of Occupational Therapy in improving mobility

Occupational therapists (OTs) specialise in helping people overcome physical challenges so they can engage more fully in everyday life. For someone experiencing mobility issues, an OT can be transformative.

How an OT can help

Home assessments: OTs can assess how safe and accessible the home environment is, and recommend aids such as grab rails, stairlifts, bed levers, and ramps.
Mobility equipment: They may suggest wheelchairs, walking frames, mobility scooters, or seating solutions tailored to the person’s specific needs.
Techniques and adaptations: OTs teach safer ways of moving, transferring, and positioning to reduce the risk of falls.
Improved independence: The right support can enable individuals to wash, dress, cook, or pursue hobbies with greater confidence.

Accessing Occupational Therapy

In Sutton, you can access the OT team through LB Sutton adult social care team. You can refer yourself, or speak to a member of staff at SCC where we can make referrals for Occupational Therapy as well as Care Needs and Carer's Assessments. Some GP surgeries also make referrals, and private assessments are available which may provide quicker access. Involving an OT early often prevents crises, reduces Carer strain, and enhances the person’s independence.

Mobility and wellbeing: More than physical movement

When mobility improves, wellbeing often follows. Supporting mobility isn’t just a practical step - it’s a wellbeing intervention.

Emotional benefits

Increased autonomy boosts confidence and self-esteem.
Being able to get outside can reduce feelings of isolation or depression.
Participation in community life supports social connection.

Benefits for Carers

Less physical strain when equipment improves safety.
Increased joint activities such as walks, outings, or social visits.
Reduced worry when the cared-for person is better supported.

Financial support and concessions that improve mobility

Carers often don’t realise how many mobility-related concessions the person they support may qualify for. These schemes can remove financial barriers and open up opportunities for greater independence.

The Disability Freedom Pass

This provides free travel across London’s transport network for people with disabilities.

Benefits include:

Free bus, Tube, Tram, and rail travel in most cases.
Greater spontaneity - no need to plan around timings or cost.
More opportunities to attend appointments, social events, or community activities.

For Carers, having free travel support can reduce logistical stress and make outings more manageable.

The Motability Scheme

If the person you care for receives certain disability benefits (like PIP or DLA mobility components), they may be able to exchange part of that benefit for a Motability vehicle.

What Motability offers:

A new car, scooter, or powered wheelchair every 3–5 years.
Insurance, servicing, breakdown cover, and tyre replacement included.
Adaptations for driving or passenger comfort, often at no extra cost.

Motability can make a profound difference—especially in situations where public transport is difficult, or where mobility equipment is too big or heavy to transport easily.

Encouraging movement and motivation

Even small steps toward increased mobility can have big health benefits.

Ways to Stay Motivated

Start small: Short walks, light stretching, or chair exercises.
Make it social: Join local activity groups, walks, or community events.
Use mobility aids confidently: Equipment is meant to enable, not limit.
Celebrate progress: Every step - literal or metaphorical - counts.

As a Carer, encouraging and supporting activity not only helps the person you support, but can also improve your own health and emotional wellbeing.

Empowering Carers and the people you support

Mobility challenges can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, tools, and knowledge, both you and the people you support can experience greater independence, confidence, and wellbeing.

By accessing occupational therapy, making use of mobility concessions, and encouraging active living, Carers can play a powerful role in enhancing quality of life. Every adjustment, big or small, helps create a safer, more connected, and more fulfilling day-to-day experience.

Check out our related information pages on: