Arranging Home Physiotherapy for a Parent in Greenwich: What Families Should Know
- Tom Morgan, Chartered Physiotherapist
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 10
Families often notice changes in mobility before an older relative asks for help. A parent may start avoiding stairs, using furniture for support, walking shorter distances, struggling to get out of a chair or becoming nervous about going outside. These changes are worth taking seriously, particularly if they are affecting independence or confidence.
When might a home physiotherapy assessment help?
Walking has become slower, less steady or more tiring
Getting out of chairs, bed or the bath has become harder
Stairs are being avoided or managed with much more effort
There has been a fall, near-fall or growing fear of falling
Strength has reduced after illness, surgery or a hospital admission
A walking stick or frame is being used but the family is unsure whether it is helping appropriately
Why can a home visit be useful for an older relative?
The home environment provides information that a clinic cannot. The physiotherapist can see the actual staircase, chair, bed, doorway and walking space your relative manages each day. If somebody is holding onto furniture, struggling with a particular step or using a walking aid awkwardly in a narrow space, that can be observed directly.
What happens during the assessment?
The appointment begins with a discussion about health, recent changes, falls, pain, dizziness, previous surgery or hospital admissions and what the person wants to improve. The physical assessment may then look at walking, balance, strength, sit-to-stand, transfers, stairs and use of mobility aids, depending on what is relevant.
Can family members be involved?
Yes, if the person receiving physiotherapy wants you involved. Family members can be helpful when describing changes over time, understanding the rehabilitation plan and supporting exercise between visits. The goals and choices of the person receiving treatment remain central to the appointment.
What if there have been falls?
Repeated or unexplained falls should not be treated as simply a weakness problem. NICE recommends comprehensive falls assessment and management for some people who have fallen, because medication, vision, blood pressure, neurological conditions, cognition, continence and other factors may contribute alongside strength and balance. A physiotherapy assessment can address relevant physical factors and identify when wider review is needed.
What can rehabilitation work on?
Where appropriate, rehabilitation may include progressive leg strengthening, balance exercises, walking practice, stair work, repeated sit-to-stands and gradually rebuilding activity. The exercises should be matched to the person's starting ability and progressed as strength and confidence improve.
Could a strength and balance class be the next step?
If your relative is medically stable, able to mobilise independently or with their usual aid and mainly needs structured strength and balance exercise, the physiotherapist-led Strength & Balance Group in Joydens Wood may be an option. If mobility has changed substantially, there have been repeated falls or you are uncertain what is safe, an individual assessment is the better starting point.
Book home physiotherapy in Greenwich and nearby areas
Tom Morgan Physio Solutions offers 60-minute mobile physiotherapy assessments in Greenwich, Kidbrooke, Blackheath, Eltham, Charlton, Woolwich, Lewisham and surrounding parts of South East London. The initial assessment costs £85.
A sudden severe change in mobility, new weakness, facial droop, speech problems, loss of consciousness or another acute medical concern needs appropriate medical assessment rather than waiting for a routine physiotherapy visit.
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