Publication: ASSESSING THE COMMUNITY MOBILITY NEEDS OF COMMUNITY DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
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Date
2026-04-16
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Poster
Abstract
Community mobility is defined as the ability to navigate through the world safely and independently, which allows people to participate in daily life, stay connected, and get where they need to go. Community mobility enables individuals to access resources, participate in meaningful activities, maintain independence, and stay socially connected within their communities.
Populations impacted by community mobility barriers include older adults, individuals with disabilities, people with chronic health conditions, and those living in rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Older adults, in particular, face multiple barriers to community access, including limited financial resources, inaccessible built environments, and insufficient transportation options. Age-related physical, sensory, and cognitive changes further complicate safe navigation and use of transportation. Rural isolation, long-traveled distances, and lack of nearby services intensify these challenges. Together, these barriers restrict participation in meaningful activities, increase dependence, and contribute to social isolation and poor health outcomes.
There are multiple solutions to improve community mobility and reduce accessibility barriers. Telemedicine and mobile clinics are two key approaches to improving access to healthcare in rural areas. Skilled mobility device and balance training, patient-centered medical homes, and coordinated care, can also help to lower costs, and improve functional mobility. Additionally, supports for transportation, such as subsidized driving assistance, have been noted to enhance independent community participation and access.
In this study of individuals in an elderly housing complex, community mobility barriers will be identified through the Occupational Therapy Checklist of Community Mobility Skills (CCMS) survey, and qualitative interviews, to examine issues regarding transportation access, financial limitations, physical mobility, safety concerns, and social supports. Data will then be used to target potential solutions, such as referral to local ride-share programs, travel buddy systems, Personal Support Specialists (PSS) for community tasks, increased access to telehealth, and student liaison assistance through a resource app to coordinate needs.