Supporting a person to stand and walk

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Keeping their spirits up

Mobility is important for people who have a life-limiting illness. It can help keep up morale and aid physical comfort.

If you think you may need to help the person you are caring for move from the bed to a chair, for instance, ask the District Nurse or Marie Curie Nurse to demonstrate the movements yourself before carrying them out.

A key point to remember is that due to the risk of injury to yourself or the person you are helping, you must not bear all or even most of their weight. They must be able to stand and help you with the movement and be capable of following instructions.

To get the person you are caring for from the bed to a chair, ensure the floor is clear of obstacles such as rugs, shoes etc and carry out the following steps.

With the person on their side ask them to drop the lower part of their legs over the side of the bed.
Have them gently push themselves into the sitting position.
Sit alongside them on the bed and hold the hand nearest to you (palm to palm) whilst placing your other arm around their waist. Both of you should place one foot slightly in front of the other.
On the command ‘ready, steady, stand’ – help them to stand. They can help by pushing against the bed with their other hand. It is also helpful to rock forward as you say ready and steady to make it easier to stand.
Help them walk to the chair. Once they feel the back of their chair against their legs they can lower themselves into a sitting position.

Being cared for at home

Our 'being cared for at home' provides advice for people who are seriously ill and being cared for at home. We hope the booklet will help and support them as well as their family and friends

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