Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS)
7-item mobility assessment for frail older people in hospital (Smith 1994): lying to sitting, sitting to lying, sit to stand, stand, gait, 6 m timed walk and functional reach. Score 0–20; used to track recovery and plan discharge.
Score interpretation
EMS < 10 — dependent in mobility manoeuvres; needs help with basic ADL (transfers, toileting, dressing).
→ Daily physiotherapy and occupational therapy; nursing care planning; pressure area care; family/carer training; social care referral; if acute deterioration — investigate precipitating cause; consider care-package or long-term care needs with the patient.
EMS 10–13 — borderline for safe mobility and independence in ADL; needs some help with some mobility manoeuvres.
→ Physiotherapy and OT towards rehabilitation goals; equipment (frame, riser chair, bath aids); weekly EMS reassessment; home assessment visit pre-discharge; carer training; community therapy follow-up.
EMS ≥ 14 — performs mobility manoeuvres alone and safely; independent in basic ADL.
→ Plan discharge home with support if needed; falls prevention advice; community physiotherapy if further gains expected; 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.
- Yu MS, Chan CC, Tsim RK. Usefulness of the elderly mobility scale for classifying residential placements. Clin Rehabil. 2007;21:1114–1120.
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.
