How to Help an Elderly Person Up From a Chair

As people age, joints become weaker, and it can be difficult to stand up on one’s own. In this post, we will take a look at how to help an elderly person up from a chair and examine why older adults have difficulty standing up from sitting position.

What Causes Difficulty Getting Up from a Chair?

Being unable to stand up from sitting position can be due to a variety of factors. These include:

• Fear of potentially falling
• Improper technique
• Lack of flexibility in the ankles
• Limited range of motion in the knees
• Poor balance
• Stiffness in the back
• Tightness in the hamstring muscles on the back of the thighs
• Weakness in the legs

In the next section, we will review how to lift someone up from a chair.

How to Help Elderly Stand Up

When assisting an older adult in standing up from a chair, be sure to move slowly and carefully and that the path is clear of any obstacles that could trip or harm either of you. Additionally, make sure the person you are lifting can understand your instructions. Speak clearly and explain what you’ll be doing to alleviate any anxieties they may be facing.

When doing the actual lifting, it’s vital to use your legs rather than your back. Stand in front of the chair, placing one foot slightly ahead for extra stability. Then position one arm around the person’s torso and have them clasp their hands together over your arm. Bend your knees and lift with your legs. Keep your back as straight as possible while doing this.

Now that we know how to help elderly people stand up, let’s take a look at some useful items to help the elderly with difficulty getting out of a chair.

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Eight Devices for Older Adults Who Are Unable to Stand After Sitting

Standing from a sitting position can also be assisted through various devices. Some items that can help individuals who have difficulty getting up from a sitting position include:

1. Chair assist tools. These affordable, portable tools can be battery-operated or come equipped with a gas spring. Some can even be inflatable.
2. Canes or walkers. Since these are not secured to the ground, it’s best to use canes or walkers with caution, but they can be handy if they have a sturdy base.
3. Furniture raisers. These devices simply raise furniture higher above the ground so seniors don’t have to get so close to the ground when sitting down.
4. Grab bars. Screw or suction these bars into the wall near chairs to help older adults lift themselves up more easily.
5. Lift chairs. These chairs have mechanisms that help seniors stand up easily. Some even have reclining functions so they can rest comfortably.
6. Raised toilet seats and toilet frames. Raising a toilet seat higher above the ground can make it easier for seniors to lift themselves up.
7. Couch standing aids. Positioned underneath couches or chairs, these devices come equipped with attached grab bars to help older adults stand up more easily.
8. Bed standing aids. These are similar to couch standing aids and can be placed under mattresses.