Part 1 · Moving and caring for the body
Stairs
Content under professional review before publication.
1Before the stairs: the rule and safety
The problem
The staircase combines every risk: a drop, balance, and, going down, the chance of falling forward several steps. That is why it helps to prepare the staircase and know the rule before taking someone up or down.
What is happening underneath
There is a simple rule that orders the movement: going up, the strong leg first; going down, the cane and the weak leg first. That way the strong leg always bears the weight on the firm step and the weak one stays protected.
Step by step
- A firm handrail, ideally on both sides. If there is only one, make sure it is solid and well fixed.
- Good light, with switches at the top and bottom of the stairs. Mark the edge of the steps if they are hard to see.
- Non-slip strips or treads on each step. Remove rugs or runners that slide.
- A clear staircase: no objects, no plant pots, no cords.
- One step at a time, without rushing. The person holds the handrail with one hand and, if they use a cane, carries it in the other.
What you must never do
- Never go up or down with things in your hands: both hands are for the handrail and the cane.
- Never do it in poor light or with the staircase full of objects.
- Never go fast or skip steps.
When to ask for help
If the person tires, gets dizzy, or feels unsafe on the stairs, do not insist: stop and find another way (card H4). To fit a second handrail or the treads, any installer can help.
2Going up the stairs
The problem
Going up is tiring and, if done in the wrong order, the weak leg has to push all the weight and gives way. The rule of the strong leg first solves it.
What is happening underneath
To go up, the strong leg steps up first and pulls the body upward; the weak one follows after, without having to push alone. The cane goes up last. The caregiver stays behind to support if the person goes backward.
Step by step
- The person holds the handrail with one hand and carries the cane in the other (or the second handrail).
- Stand behind them and a little toward the weak side, with one hand on the transfer belt.
- Have them step up first with the strong leg onto the step.
- Then have the weak leg come up to the same step, and last the cane.
- Both legs and the cane end up on the same step before going on to the next. One step at a time.
What you must never do
- Never have them step up first with the weak leg.
- Never stand in front when going up: if they fall, they fall toward you and backward.
- Never go up two steps at once.
When to ask for help
If the person cannot push with the strong leg to go up, or runs out of breath, stop. Another solution may be needed (card H4) or going up with two people.
3Going down the stairs
The problem
Going down is the more dangerous direction: a forward fall on the stairs can be several steps. Here the order and the caregiver's position matter even more.
What is happening underneath
To go down, the cane goes down first to the lower step, then the weak leg, and last the strong one, which controls the descent from above. The caregiver goes in front and one step below, to stop the person if they go forward.
Step by step
- The person holds the handrail with one hand and carries the cane in the other.
- Stand in front of them, one step below and toward the weak side, with one hand on the transfer belt.
- Have the cane go down first to the lower step.
- Then have the weak leg come down to that step.
- Last, have the strong leg come down. One step at a time, without rushing.
What you must never do
- Never have them step down first with the strong leg.
- Never stand behind when going down: if they go forward, you cannot stop them.
- Never let them look at the phone or carry things while going down.
When to ask for help
If a leg gives way as they go down, if they get dizzy, or if you both do not feel safe, do not go down. This is the situation where a stairlift or another solution is most worthwhile (card H4).
4When not to attempt it and what to do instead
The problem
Sometimes the staircase stops being safe, and forcing it is one of the biggest risks in a home. Knowing when to stop and what alternatives exist prevents a serious fall.
What is happening underneath
Carrying someone in your arms up the stairs, or bringing them down by force, is dangerous for both and is a frequent cause of serious falls. When the person can no longer use the stairs safely, the solution is not to insist but to change the approach.
Step by step
- Do not attempt the stairs if the person cannot bear their weight, is very unsteady, runs out of breath, or if you both do not feel safe.
- Never carry the person in your arms up the stairs to solve it quickly.
- Simple improvements first: a second handrail, non-slip treads, better light, half-steps.
- If the staircase is still a problem, consider a stairlift (the motorized chair on a rail) or a ramp where possible.
- The safest solution is sometimes to move what the person uses to a single floor: so the bedroom, the bathroom, and the kitchen are on the same level.
What you must never do
- Never carry the person in your arms up the stairs.
- Never take them up or down by force if either of you is afraid.
- Never let them use the stairs alone if they have already had a near-fall there.
When to ask for help
To decide between a stairlift, a ramp, or reorganizing the home on one level, a home assessment helps see what is best and what is possible. The therapist and an installer can guide you according to the case.
What about the home?
This library is free. iliapp.com is a professional service that assesses the home to make it safer.
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