Stair Climbing with Assist from a Helper
These are safe ways for a helper to assist you on the stairs.
*Helpful Tip:
Step UP with your stronger leg first.
Step DOWN with your weaker leg first.
Helping someone WITH handrails on the stairs:
The helper should hold the person's hand opposite the handrail and places their other hand on the person's gait belt. The helper should be on the person's weak side if able, depending on placement of handrail.
The helper should be standing on step behind when going up the stairs. The person should step up with their stronger leg.
The helper should stand one step in front when going down the stairs. The person should step down with their weaker leg.
The helper can place their feet on different steps to increase stability.
Helping a person on stairs WITHOUT handrails or devices:
* More than one helper may be needed without a handrail.
The helper should hold the person's hand below the level of their elbow (this increases support) and place their other hand on the gait belt. The helper should then put their feet on separate steps and stand still while the person pushes through their hand. The person should step up with their stronger leg.
- Going Up: Step up with the patient on each step.
- Going Down: Step down with the patient or slightly ahead of each step.
