RISING FROM A CHAIR
How to ensure a safe and steady seated-to-standing rise
BY:KRISTIN SCHWEIZER, MPT
Standing from a chair can be difficult. For many reasons, it’s wise to encourage sitting in a sturdy chair with firm arms and an upright back. This can make all the difference in getting in and out of a chair when a person’s mobility is even somewhat com-promised. And these steps will help:
1. MOVE FORWARD TO GET IN POSITION TO STAND
Have your loved one scoot forward to the front edge of the chair and place her feet flat on the floor.
If you need to offer help for moving forward in the chair, have the person lean to the left and help her move her right hip forward. Then have her lean right, and help move her left hip forward. Repeat until the person is at the front edge of the chair.
2. GET BALANCED TO RISE
Have your loved one lean forward, aligning her nose over her toes. You may guide her by standing alongside and placing your hand on her back to assist her in leaning forward. Make sure you are steady yourself.
3. NOW PUSH UP
Lastly, have your loved one push into the arms of the chair with her arms and stand up tall. Be there to steady her as necessary.
TO SIT BACK DOWN
The person should have the backs of her legs touching the chair, reach for the arm rests, then slowly lower her body into the chair. Then she can lean from side to side to move her hips back.