By Helen K. Pereira, PT, DPT, MPH, GCS

It is recommended that an occupational or physical therapist instruct and demonstrate to you how to help your loved one climb up and down the stairs.  You can find a physical or occupational therapist by contacting your insurance company, your doctor, or by going to the American Physical Therapy Association Website, or the American Occupational Therapy Association Website.

Climbing up Stairs

1. You will need to use a safety belt around your loved one’s waist. You hold on to the other end of the belt. You will be able to help your loved one keep their balance and assist them as needed while climbing the stairs.
2. Make sure there is a secure railing or railings for your loved one to hold onto while climbing the stairs.
3. When climbing up the stairs, stand on the step below your loved one.  Instruct them to hold onto the railing(s). Make sure you are able to reach the railing yourself if you lose your balance. Hold onto the safety belt to assist your loved one as needed.
4. If your loved one has a side that is stronger, instruct him/her to step up on the step with their stronger leg first.  Once that is accomplished, have them step onto the same step with their other leg.  Climbing the stairs one step at a time is the safest way to complete the task.
5. Repeat the above technique until you have completed going up the stairs.  Remember to take rest breaks as needed.

Going Down Stairs

1. When going down stairs, stand on the step below your loved one.  Hold onto the safety belt, and make sure that your loved one is holding onto the railing(s). You might want to hold onto the railing yourself with one arm to prevent yourself from being knocked off balance should your loved one stumble or fall.
2. If your loved one has a weaker leg, instruct him/her to step down with the weaker leg first. This allows your loved one’s stronger leg to help them maintain balance and withstand the weight of his or her body.  Hold onto the safety belt and assist as needed.
3. Instruct your loved one to step down on the same step with their stronger leg.  
4. Repeat this technique until you have completed the stairs.

Remember, there are alternatives to walking up and down the stairs.  If your loved one is too weak to perform the stairs, consider modifying your home so that he/she can stay on one level.  You can also consider renting or buying a system that will allow your loved one to remain seated while he/she is electrically lifted up the stairs. These systems can be expensive, however, and therefore not practical for everybody.