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Printed on 4/21/2026
For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.
The Elderly Mobility Scale is an observational functional mobility tool used in older adults to assess transfers, gait, balance tasks, and posture. It supports decisions on mobility assistance level and rehabilitation planning.
Formula: EMS total is the sum of task scores across mobility domains, range 0-20.
EMS is a long-used geriatric mobility assessment with published reliability and functional-use evidence.
Lower EMS totals indicate greater functional mobility impairment and higher assistance needs.
Use for quick functional mobility triage and to guide mobility-assistance and therapy planning in older adults.
Scoring can vary with assessor technique and acute illness; interpret alongside broader functional assessment.
For related assessments, see Tinetti POMA, Berg Balance Scale and Single-Leg Stance.
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.
A structured gait-and-balance assessment (0-28) used to estimate fall risk in older adults.
GeriatricsA 14-task balance assessment scored 0-56 to quantify postural control and fall-risk signal.
GeriatricsA quick static-balance test using unsupported one-leg standing time to estimate fall-risk signal.
GeriatricsAssess mobility and fall risk with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. TUG >12 seconds indicates high fall risk. Times the performance of standing, walking 3 meters, turning, and returning to seated.