Short answer: New Century Home Care provides mobility assistance in Philadelphia to help your loved one walk, transfer safely, and avoid falls. Our non-medical aides support daily movement at home so older adults can remain independent.

What mobility assistance includes

Mobility assistance involves hands-on help with ambulation and transfer activities. An aide supports your loved one when walking from room to room, getting out of bed, or moving into a chair. This steady physical support is a core part of non-medical senior care services.

Our aides also accompany clients into the community for necessary tasks. If your loved one needs to visit the pharmacy or go grocery shopping, an aide can walk with them to help with steps and curbs. When mobility issues make bathing or toileting difficult, an aide can provide help with personal care tasks.

We also offer respite care for families. If you normally provide transfer assistance for a relative, our aides can step in on a short-term basis so you can take a break.

Why it matters: the risk of falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one out of four older people falls each year. Falls lead to about 4.5 million emergency department visits annually. Nearly 319,000 older adults are hospitalized for hip fractures each year.

Certain medical conditions increase the risk of losing balance. If your loved one is recovering from a recent stroke, they may experience sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or weakness on one side of their body. If they are managing Parkinson’s disease movement symptoms, issues like postural instability, freezing in place, or taking short rapid steps can make falls more likely.

A mobility aide gives steady support during the moments that carry the most risk: getting up, turning, and walking through doorways.

What our aides do versus what a physical therapist does

New Century Home Care supplies non-skilled services. Our aides assist with daily routines, but they do not perform medical assessments, administer injections, or provide skilled rehabilitation.

If your loved one needs to regain strength or learn to walk again after surgery, they need skilled therapy. Medicare covers part-time skilled nursing and physical therapy for homebound individuals. Medicare only covers home health aides when they are provided alongside that skilled care, and it does not pay for personal care when that is the only care needed.

Call New Century Home Care at 215-974-0000 or fill out our contact form and select “I am a client” then “I need services” to discuss mobility assistance.

Simple home changes that support safe movement

You can make immediate changes to your home to lower the risk of falls. Keep all walking paths clear of clutter and electrical cords. Ensure every room, hallway, and staircase is brightly lit. You can find more tips in our fall prevention home safety guide.

For larger changes, financial help may be available. The Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver covers home adaptations, assistive technology, and non-medical transportation for eligible participants. A CHC service coordinator can help arrange these modifications to make your home safer.

How mobility assistance is paid for in Philadelphia

Families use several different methods to pay for a home care aide. The right option depends on your loved one’s age, military service, and Medicaid eligibility.

Payer	Covers this?	Notes
Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver	Yes	Covers Personal Assistance Services. You must be functionally and financially eligible. Hours are set by your CHC plan service coordinator in your person-centered service plan.
Medicare	No	Does not cover personal care or mobility assistance alone. Only covers home health aides when provided alongside skilled nursing or physical therapy.
Private Pay	Yes	You agree on a schedule directly with the agency. We will discuss rates when you call.
Veterans Affairs (VA)	Yes	Eligible veterans can use Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care or Veteran-Directed Care. Start by contacting a social worker at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center.
Long-Term Care Insurance	Varies	Coverage depends entirely on the terms of your specific policy.

Can a family member be the paid caregiver?

Yes, family members can sometimes be paid to care for family through the CHC waiver. New Century Home Care works with the CHC waiver to hire and pay relatives who provide mobility assistance.

There are strict exclusions under Pennsylvania rules. The CHC waiver will not pay for services provided by the participant’s spouse, legal guardian, representative payee, or power of attorney. If you hold one of these roles, you cannot be paid as the caregiver.

How to start with New Century

Setting up mobility assistance takes a few steps.

1. Contact us: Call 215-974-0000 or submit our online form. We will ask about your loved one’s daily movement needs, preferred schedule, and payer.
2. Coordinate services: If you use the CHC waiver, tell your plan service coordinator that you choose New Century Home Care. If you pay privately, we will agree on a schedule together.
3. Caregiver assignment: We assign an aide who has met all Pennsylvania requirements. Before hiring, we conduct an interview, check two references, and run a criminal history report.
4. Competency verification: Pennsylvania law requires our aides to pass a competency exam or training program. This training covers ambulation, transferring, basic infection control, and handling emergencies.

Ready to schedule mobility assistance? Call 215-974-0000 or submit our contact form, choosing “I am a client” and “I need services.” Our office staff speaks English, Russian, and Ukrainian.

Frequently asked questions

How do you provide personal care to the elderly who need help walking?

An aide provides hands-on assistance with ambulation and transferring in and out of bed or chairs. This steady physical support helps prevent falls during daily activities like bathing and dressing.

What are some tips for caregivers who care for the elderly with mobility issues?

Keep walkways clear of clutter, ensure rooms are brightly lit, and use assistive devices as directed by a doctor. If your loved one has a condition like Parkinson’s or is recovering from a stroke, schedule demanding tasks when they have the most energy.

Who sets the hours for a mobility assistance aide?

If you use the Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver, your CHC service coordinator sets the approved hours in your person-centered service plan. If you pay privately, you agree on the schedule directly with the agency.

How do I choose the right caregiver for transfer assistance?

Before hiring, Pennsylvania law requires home care agencies to ensure aides pass a competency evaluation or training program that covers ambulation, transferring, and handling emergencies. You can discuss your loved one’s specific physical needs with us so we can match an appropriate aide.