Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS)
7-item functional mobility assessment for frail elderly patients in hospital. Assesses lying to sitting, sitting to lying, sitting balance, standing, gait, transfer, and walking distance. Score 0–20. Used to track recovery and plan discharge.
Score interpretation
EMS 0–6 — high dependency; requires substantial care and assistance
→ Daily physiotherapy and occupational therapy; nursing care planning; pressure area care; consider nursing home discharge; family/carer training; social care referral; if acute deterioration — investigate precipitating cause; advance care planning if appropriate
EMS 7–10 — moderate dependency; significant rehabilitation potential
→ Physiotherapy 5 days/week; OT assessment for equipment needs (frame, riser chair, bath aids); set short-term rehabilitation goals; weekly EMS reassessment; home assessment visit pre-discharge; carer training; community therapy follow-up
EMS 11–14 — fairly mobile; preparation for discharge
→ Physiotherapy and OT for remaining goals; home visit or assessment; arrange community support; walking aid prescription; plan discharge with support package; reassess weekly; consider step-down to community hospital if complex rehabilitation needs
EMS 15–20 — independent or near-independent mobility
→ Plan discharge home; ensure adequate support if needed; falls prevention advice; community physiotherapy if further gains expected; GP follow-up; patient and family education; walking aid check; confirm home environment safe
Interpretation bands for the Elderly Mobility Scale. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Smith R. Validation and reliability of the elderly mobility scale. Physiotherapy. 1994;80(11):744–747.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Bisoprolol (Heart Failure in Elderly) · Selective beta-1 blocker
- Sodium Valproate (Epilepsy in Elderly) · Antiepileptic
- Sertraline (Elderly) · SSRI Antidepressant
- Mirtazapine (Elderly) · NaSSA Antidepressant
- Quetiapine (Elderly — Dementia Caution) · Atypical Antipsychotic
- Lorazepam (Elderly — Short-Term Use) · Benzodiazepine
- Falls Assessment in Older Adults · NICE CG161 2013
- Delirium Outside ICU · NICE CG103
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) · BGS / NICE
- Delirium Assessment and Management · NICE CG103 2010
- Frailty Recognition and Management · BGS Frailty Framework / NHS NHSE
- Polypharmacy and Medicines Optimisation · STOPP/START v2 2014 / NICE NG5
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.