Grandmother is finding it harder to get around these days.

[Ashraful Haque]

"During her last few years, Edna couldn’t get around very well."
"My grandmother is finding it harder to get around these days."

I came across these sentences when I looked up 'get around.' I know this phrase can be used in many different types contexts. I've never heard anyone use it like in the example sentences above.

1. "During her last few years, Edna couldn’t get around very well."
2. "My grandmother is finding it harder to get around these days."

Can these sentences be used to talk about old or ill people who have a hard time moving around the house?

 

[Tarheel]

I have a hard time getting around these days.

It's more about getting out and about (for me, at least), for example, going to the grocery store.

I suppose you could have a hard time moving around your house or apartment, but the distances are not great.

**many different contexts

 

[emsr2d2]

For outside the house, I'd use "get out and about". For a more general issue with moving, including when indoors", I'd use "get about".

It can be used to refer to anyone whose mobility has become more limited, whatever the reason.

 

[teechar]

Can these sentences be used to talk about old or ill people who have a hard time moving around the house?

Yes, it can. It's perfectly natural English. However, it's not limited to old or ill people, and it's not just about mobility at home. See above.

 

[Ashraful Haque]

I have a hard time getting around these days.

It's more about getting out and about (for me, at least), for example, going to the grocery store.

I suppose you could have a hard time moving around your house or apartment, but the distances are not great.

**many different contexts

My grandmother is finding it harder to get around the house these days.

Does adding 'the house' make it sound any better?

 

[Tarheel]

Not to me. Is her mobility problem confined to the house?

 

[Ashraful Haque]

Not to me. Is her mobility problem confined to the house?

No. She just can't walk very well without support. Fortunately she's now in America for surgery.

 

[emsr2d2]

No. She just can't walk very well without support.

In that case, adding "the house" actually makes it less clear. It makes it sound as if she can move around just fine outside her house but not inside it. That would be very unusual.

Fortunately she's now in America for surgery.

I hope all goes well for her.