Stay Moving, Stay Healing: Your Guide to Hospital Mobility at UCHealth

Why Moving Matters for Your Recovery

When you are in the hospital, moving is one of the most important things you can do to help you recover. Staying active helps your body heal faster and lowers your risk for having complications, such as:

• Strength and muscle loss
• Longer hospital stays
• Coágulos de sangre
• Neumonía

Mobility is an important part of your care plan, and you are a vital part of the team that makes it happen.

What to Expect: Your Mobility Journey in the Hospital

Everyone’s mobility journey is different. The examples below show how movement may progress for many patients, but your care plan may look different depending on your recovery and what you are able to do. Each patient’s plan is made specifically for them.

Mobility in the hospital often looks different from at home, but all movement matters. Mobility will start early and happen often during your stay. It begins with small actions, like moving in bed or sitting on the edge of the bed. As soon as it is safe, we help you stand, take steps and sit in a chair. 

Your daily mobility goal is based on what you can do safely and may change as you recover. Plan to move at least 3 times each day. Certain activities help you reach your goals and build strength, such as:  

• Eating meals in a chair
• Walking to the bathroom
• Brushing your teeth at the sink

Your team will help you do what is safe each day. Below is an example of how your movement may change during your hospital stay.

Soon after your surgery or procedure, or after an illness, your care team may work with you to:

• Sit up in bed
• Sit and dangle your legs at the side of the bed
• Get out of bed and sit up in a chair, with help
• Stand and take steps, with help
• Walk, with help

During the next few days, you may:

• Walk more often and longer distances, with help from your care team
• Use walking aids or assistive devices (such as a cane or walker), as needed
• Take part in your daily movement goals at least 3 times each day

Before you leave the hospital (discharge), you may:

• Build up your strength for doing daily tasks
• Be able to do basic daily activities, such as dressing, brushing your teeth and grooming
• Be able to practice walking to the bathroom or in the hallway, with help
• Talk about safe mobility habits for home with your care team

Your care team will work with you to determine what is safe for you, which may vary from person to person.

Safety note: For your safety, a care team member will stay close by when you are up and moving, including when you use the bathroom. Their role is to support you and help prevent falls so you can focus on healing.

Moving might not feel good

Moving in the hospital might feel uncomfortable or tiring. This is normal. You may feel pain or be weak or dizzy at first. These feelings can be part of the healing process. Your care team will help you manage your pain and keep you safe as you move. The benefits of getting up and moving are greater than the short-term discomfort. With every movement, you help your body heal, lower your risk for complications and get closer to going home. Always let us know what and how you are feeling.

Who Will Help You?

You will not be doing this alone. Your nurse will make sure you stay active. Other care team members may also help you move while you are in the hospital.

Entre estos están:

• Nurses
• Nursing assistants
• Technicians
• Fisioterapeutas
• Occupational therapists

The team members who help you may change from day to day, but all are trained to help you move safely and confidently.

Watch our video to learn how we work together to keep you safe and prevent falls during your hospital stay.

Tips to Prepare Before Your Hospital Stay

What to know before you come to the hospital:

• Bring comfortable shoes with good grip
• Pack loose, easy-to-move-in clothes
• Ask questions about your care plan
• Let your care team know about any fears or concerns you have
• Commit to taking an active role in your recovery
• Increase your activity and walking before a planned surgery or procedure, if possible
• Follow safety guidelines. Do not try to move on your own or with a family member or caretaker unless your care team says it is safe.

The Benefits of Moving

Moving while you are in the hospital helps you:

• Breathe better
• Have fewer complications
• Get your independence back
• Lower your risk of falls
• Get home as planned
• Feel more in control

How UCHealth Supports You

Mobility care at UCHealth is based on the latest medical research and supported by every member of your care team. From your first day in the hospital until you go home, you will get consistent mobility support that is backed by the latest research.

Together, We Move Toward Recovery

Staying active during your hospital stay takes effort, but you are not doing it alone. Your care team is here to guide, motivate and celebrate every step with you.