About

Our Mission

The Mobility Matters Conference advances mobility as a foundational element of functional recovery, independence, and quality of life for older adults. 

We convene interdisciplinary leaders across clinical care, research, policy, and innovation to share evidence-based strategies and real-world solutions that strengthen mobility practices in post-acute care; particularly within skilled nursing facilities. 

A woman in a lab being assisted by 2 physical therapists.

What We Mean by 'Mobility'

Mobility is more than therapy sessions. It reflects the daily opportunities for movement that support recovery, independence, and engaging in life. 

Examples include:
  • Structured mobility activities that complement formal therapy
  • Brief movement opportunities integrated into daily routines
  • Activities led by nursing staff or aides that encourage safe movement
  • Patient- or family-driven practices that reinforce independence
  • Technology-enabled mobility tools such as wearables, environmental prompts, in-room exercise systems, and dashboards that help care teams monitor progress
Our goal: to embed mobility into everyday care in ways that are sustainable, team-based, and person-centered, improving function, participation, and recovery for older adults. 

Who We Are

The Mobility Matters Conference is led by a multidisciplinary team of clinician-researchers and leaders dedicated to advancing mobility and functional recovery for older adults in skilled nursing and post-acute care. 

Our planning group brings expertise across
  • Geriatric rehabilitation
  • Skilled nursing facility operations
  • Health services and implementation science
  • Workforce development
  • System-level healthcare improvement 
Grounded in the aims of our NIH-supported initiative, we focus on translating research and innovation into practical, sustainable improvements in everyday care. The conference convenes participants with expansive perspectives and deep experience, individuals positioned to influence practice, inform policy, and accelerate innovations that improve mobility, independence, and quality of life for older adults.

Conference Goals

This conference aims to:

Our Long-Term Vision

To build a sustained community of practice that strengthens mobility across the continuum of care. Insights from each convening will shape future collaborations, expand partnerships, and advance innovation that improves mobility and functional outcomes, and quality of life for older adults.

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