Maintaining functional independence by mobilizing the aged.

Maintaining mobility among the geriatric population is key to preventing unnecessary nursing home placement. Older patients who become bedridden as the result of acute illness or injury are at high risk of morbidity and mortality from the physical and mental effects of deconditioning. The primary care physician plays an important role in encouraging the mobilization of patients who have been confined to bed. Although mobilization is contraindicated in some patients, many others can be gotten 'back on their feet' again with a stepwise mobilization procedure.