Patients need certain physical abilities (motor skills) to get in and out of bed and begin taking care of themselves.  These first steps include getting dressed or to the bathroom to use the toilet, tub or shower.  Developing or maintaining physical abilities can occur through physical or occupational therapy.  This is especially important if the patient does not have a caregiver when a home health care provider is not there or when such care ends.

Patients becoming more active may feel better about themselves and live independently longer.  They may be more inclined to learn how to use special devices or equipment to perform additional activities without anyone’s help.  Patients who stop taking care of themselves may be experiencing a decline in their health.