In this topic, you will learn how to provide assistance in a way that is safe for both you and the person.
Assisting a person when walking
Some people need assistance when they use a walking aid. This is especially important for a person who is at risk of falling.
You may need to give assistance at any point during the 4 steps – select, fitting, use and follow-up. You may also need to teach the person’s caregiver or family member how to assist a person safely at home.
Assisting someone using a rollator or walking frame
- Stand at the person’s side and slightly behind
- Put your hands on the person’s hips.
Assisting someone using a walking stick
- Stand at the person’s side and slightly behind
- Hold the person’s free arm.
Never push or pull the person!
Assisting a person up and down stairs
Going down
- Stand in front of the person
- Put your hands on their hips.
Going up
- Stand slightly behind the person
- Put your hands on their hips.
Never push or pull the person!
Assisting a person when standing up and sitting down
Always encourage the person to do as much as they are able to themselves, including using the armrests when available.
Stand up
- Stand close to the person’s side
- Bend your knees and help the person up by placing one hand behind their shoulders one below their armpit.
Sit down
- Stand close to the person’s side
- Offer your hand as a support
- Place the other hand behind their shoulders
- Bend your knees as the person sits down slowly.
Never push or pull the person!
Question
Why should you stand in front and slightly to the side of the person when going down stairs?
When going down stairs, the person might be at risk of losing the balance and falling forward. Standing in front and slightly on the side might help preventing this.