How is it possible for someone to ambulate/walk without assistance when no one is there to help, but can’t when someone is available?

Long after my mom was unsafe walking she would get out of bed at night and go to the bathroom, in her case it was that this was a long established night time habit and muscle memory got her up and going while she was only semi awake. She also sometimes fell, so I took to sleeping lightly and chasing after her with her walker so she had it for the return trip.

With my father it was learned helplessness. Things he could do when he was alone he suddenly couldn't when someone was there. For him he just enjoyed being catered to.

Her mind isn't fully functioning to understand her own abilities and capacities.