Mobility, Assistive Devices, and Environmental Supports 

Assistive devices, orthotics (braces and supports), adaptive methods, and home changes can help older adults do more in their daily lives. It is important to find the cause of a disability before prescribing a device or making a change. Medical or surgical treatment may work better than rehabilitation, or it may improve how well rehabilitation works.

Aids can include:

• Mobility aids like canes, walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs
• Adaptive equipment like reachers/grabbers, dressing sticks, raised toilet seats, adjustable shower chairs, tub transfer benches, and handheld shower heads
• Environmental modifications like doorknob extenders, automatic lighting, and grab bars

Medicare may consider many of these aids to be durable medical equipment (DME). If a doctor prescribes them and they are medically necessary, Medicare Part B will pay 80 percent of the cost. DME must be provided by a supplier that has a contract with Medicare and meets its standards.

Equipment that Medicare does not cover may be available through local organizations or the State Grant for Assistive Technology Program. This program helps people with disabilities access assistive technology devices and services. Devices may be free, available to borrow, or available for a low cost. Find your state’s program at https://www.at3center.net/state-at-programs.

Coverage of Rehabilitation Care

Medicare and Medicaid cover some rehabilitation services for older adults who meet their program rules. Services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy inside and outside of hospitals. Care can take place at home, in the community, or in a facility.

• Medicare Part A covers rehabilitation in a facility after an older adult has stayed in a hospital for at least three nights in a row for an illness or injury.
• Medicare Part B covers outpatient and community-based rehabilitation. What the older adult qualifies for, what services are available, and how much they cost can vary. Some Medicare Advantage plans may have different rules for who qualifies and how much they pay.

Equity Considerations in Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation therapy helps older adults stay healthy and live well. But these services are not equally available to everyone. For example, White older adults often receive more services than Black older adults. Reasons for this include bias among health care providers, differences in Medicaid coverage compared to other insurance, and gaps in referral rates and access to care. Rehabilitation is also less available in rural areas than in cities. Neighborhood poverty can also affect access.

Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers