Stairs for the Holidays

With the upcoming holidays and visiting loved ones, this month I wanted to talk about stairs.

Though a majority of businesses have transitioned to stair-free entries, most people have at least

one step to enter their home. For most, ascending and descending stairs is automatic, however it

can become more complicated when an individual needs assistance or is performing stairs in an

unfamiliar environment. In this blog, I will break down the recommended sequencing of

performance as well as how to be an effective helper.

As a general rule of thumb, well secured rails are more steady than any help or assistive device

can be. If they are there, use them!

Basic sequencing: Ideally everyone is able to go up/down stairs using a reciprocal pattern (1 foot on each step, alternating right and left). But if this method is too difficult or you have one leg that is weak, I recommend the Step-to method (2 feet on

each stair). Below is the recommended pattern depending on which direction you approaching the stairs:

-Go up leading with the stronger leg.

-Go down leading with the weaker leg

If it helps you to remember you can use the mnemonic “Good Legs go to Heaven, Bad Legs go to Hell”

Now that you know the sequence, let’s talk about how to help someone else up and down the

stairs. All too often I see people help their loved ones, by grabbing them under their arms and

walking directly next to them, often providing a great deal of assistance. The problem with this

method is that it severely limits how much your loved one is able to control their own body.

Instead I recommend using this method: Stand

slightly behind and to the side of your loved one and allow them to hold onto your hand/forearm. Using this method, you are allowing them to use you for ONLY the amount of support they need to complete the stair successfully. Typically people are more confident with this method because they are in control of their body motions. The added bonus is that if they begin to lose their balance backwards (down the stairs) you are already in a perfect position to steady them. You can use this same method to assist them down the stairs, but instead of standing slightly behind, stand in front and down one step from them. This again places you down the stairs from your loved one. If they begin to lose their balance forwards, you are there to steady them. Though you can also fall up the stairs, typically falling down the stairs has the potential for greater injury. By always placing your body down the stairs from your loved one, you are in a better position to prevent a serious fall.

The above method is best for those that do not use an assistive device or they utilize a cane. If

there are no rails available, you can use this same method with two helpers (one on either side) If

your loved one utilizes a walker, the sequencing becomes more complex and will be covered in

future blog posts. Please note that the information provided today is a general recommendation

and may not apply to every person or home configuration. If you have further questions I highly

recommend reaching out to a healthcare professional such as a Physical Therapist in your area

that could provide you with more specific instructions for your individual needs.

Taylor M. Leontios, PT, DPT, CSRS is the owner and operator of Lion Concierge Physical Therapy Services, PLLC. Though the above suggestions are provided by a licensed physical

therapist, it does not constitute specific medical advice. You should consult with your personal physician prior to performing any exercise regimen.