How to assist someone who has difficulty walking? A comprehensive guide

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults aged 65 and over falls each year, highlighting the critical importance of proper mobility assistance. Learning how to assist someone who has difficulty walking is essential for safety, independence, and overall well-being.

Quick Summary

Helping someone with walking challenges involves a multi-faceted approach, including using proper physical techniques, implementing appropriate walking aids, modifying the home environment for safety, and encouraging strength and balance exercises. Understanding the root cause of the mobility issue is also crucial for providing the most effective support.

Key Points

• Assess the cause: Understand why the person has difficulty walking to provide the most appropriate assistance and support.

• Use proper technique: Employ safe lifting and walking methods, such as using a gait belt, to prevent injury to both parties.

• Select appropriate aids: Choose and fit the right mobility aid, like a cane or walker, based on the individual's balance and strength needs.

• Modify the home environment: Remove hazards like loose rugs and install safety features like grab bars and adequate lighting.

• Encourage strength and balance: Support the individual in gentle exercises recommended by a professional to improve their mobility over time.

• Communicate clearly: Always explain your actions and listen to the person's feedback to ensure a respectful and cooperative process.

Understanding the Root Cause of Mobility Issues

Before providing assistance, it is important to understand the potential reasons behind a person's difficulty walking. This insight helps tailor the type of support needed. Common causes can include:

• Chronic Conditions: Diseases like arthritis, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis can significantly impact mobility.
• Injury or Surgery: Recovery from a fall, hip replacement, or other surgery often requires temporary or long-term walking assistance.
• Balance and Dizziness Issues: Conditions affecting the inner ear or medication side effects can cause unsteadiness.
• Weakness or Fatigue: Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) or illness can lead to general weakness, making walking a challenge.
• Vision Problems: Poor eyesight can contribute to tripping hazards and a lack of confidence while walking.

A conversation with the individual's healthcare provider can provide clarity on their specific condition and any recommended therapies, such as physical therapy, to improve strength and balance.

Providing Physical Support with Proper Technique

When physically assisting someone, using the correct technique is crucial to prevent injury to both the caregiver and the individual. The goal is to provide stability, not to carry their weight.

Assisting from a seated to standing position

1. Preparation: Ensure the person is sitting at the edge of the chair with their feet flat on the floor and positioned slightly apart. The caregiver should stand in front of them with a wide, stable base.
2. Verbal Guidance: Explain each step clearly: "On the count of three, we'll stand up. Rock back and forth a little to build momentum."
3. Use a Gait Belt: For maximum safety, have the person wear a gait belt snugly around their waist. The caregiver holds the belt firmly, not the person's arm or hand, to provide stability and a secure grip.
4. Lift with Your Legs: As the person pushes off, the caregiver should bend their knees and lift using their legs, keeping their back straight. This prevents back strain.

Walking with a person

1. Positioning: Stand slightly behind and to the side of the person you are assisting. This allows you to monitor their balance and provides a natural line of support without restricting their movement.
2. Use the Gait Belt: Continue to hold the gait belt securely. This allows you to provide stability without interfering with the person's arm swing.
3. Mirror their Steps: Pay attention to their pace and rhythm. Walk in sync with them, stepping with the opposite leg they lead with.
4. Always Face Forward: The person walking should look forward. Encourage them to focus on a point in the distance rather than looking down at their feet.

Choosing and Using Appropriate Walking Aids

Mobility aids can provide stability and reduce the risk of falls. The best choice depends on the person's specific needs and level of assistance required.

Aid Type	Best For	Advantages	Considerations
Cane	Mild balance issues; minimal weight support.	Portable and lightweight; offers minor support and stability.	Offers limited support; requires decent balance to use effectively.
Crutches	Temporary injuries (e.g., sprained ankle).	Allows for non-weight-bearing mobility.	Can be tiring to use; requires upper body strength and coordination.
Walker (Standard)	Moderate support; short-term use.	Offers more stability than a cane; good for post-surgery recovery.	Must be lifted with each step; not ideal for long distances.
Walker (Wheeled)	Greater stability; endurance.	Easy to maneuver; includes features like seats and brakes.	Can roll away if not used correctly; requires a level surface.
Rollator	Endurance; needing to rest often.	Provides a seat and basket; good for longer distances.	Heavier than a standard walker; can be difficult on uneven ground.

It is vital to ensure the aid is properly fitted. A physical therapist can help adjust the height and provide instructions for safe use.

Making the Home Environment Safer

Falls most often occur in familiar environments like the home. Simple modifications can drastically reduce risks.

Tips for creating a safer space

• Remove all clutter, loose rugs, and electrical cords from walking paths.
• Ensure adequate lighting in all rooms, hallways, and stairwells. Use nightlights where appropriate.
• Install grab bars in bathrooms, especially near the toilet and in the shower or tub.
• Add non-slip mats in the shower and bathtub.
• Consider adding railings on both sides of any staircases.
• Rearrange furniture to create wider, clear pathways.

Encouraging Strength and Balance

Maintaining and improving mobility is not just about adapting the environment; it's also about empowering the individual. Encourage a routine of gentle exercises to build strength, flexibility, and confidence.

Simple exercises to improve mobility

1. Chair Stands: From a seated position, stand up slowly and sit back down without using your hands. Repeat multiple times.
2. Ankle Pumps: While seated, flex your foot up and down to improve circulation and strength.
3. Wall Push-ups: Stand facing a wall, place your hands on it, and do gentle push-ups to strengthen your arms and chest.
4. Balance Exercises: Hold onto a sturdy chair or counter and practice standing on one leg for a few seconds. Switch legs.

Before starting any exercise program, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. A physical therapist can provide a personalized plan tailored to the individual's abilities and limitations. For more on safe exercise techniques, refer to resources from a trusted health authority like the National Institute on Aging: Exercise and Physical Activity.

Communicating Effectively

Effective communication is a cornerstone of safe and respectful caregiving. When assisting someone, always explain what you are doing before you do it. Ask for their input and check in to see how they are feeling.

• Use Clear and Simple Language: Avoid jargon and speak at a normal, clear volume.
• Give Them Control: Wherever possible, allow the person to lead or set the pace. This fosters a sense of independence and dignity.
• Listen Actively: Pay attention to their feedback, verbal or non-verbal, about their comfort level or pain.

Conclusion

Assisting someone who has difficulty walking is a role that requires patience, knowledge, and compassion. By understanding the underlying issues, using proper physical techniques, ensuring a safe home environment, and encouraging regular, safe exercise, you can significantly enhance a person's mobility, safety, and quality of life. This proactive and holistic approach not only prevents falls but also empowers the individual to maintain their independence with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest way to help someone stand up?

The safest way is to use a gait belt worn around the person's waist. Stand in front of them with a wide stance, ask them to scoot to the edge of the chair, and as they push off, lift using your legs while holding the gait belt securely. Ensure their feet are flat and stable before starting.

How can I help someone with balance issues when walking?

When walking, stand slightly behind and to the side of the person, using a gait belt to provide stable support. Encourage them to look forward, not down at their feet. For home safety, clear pathways and ensure good lighting to reduce trip hazards.

What kind of mobility aids are best for seniors?

The best mobility aid depends on the individual's needs. A cane is suitable for minor balance issues, while a walker offers more stability. A rollator, which has wheels and a seat, is ideal for those who need to rest frequently or walk longer distances. A healthcare provider can offer a recommendation.

What home modifications can reduce the risk of falls?

To reduce fall risk, remove tripping hazards like clutter and loose cords. Install grab bars in the bathroom, use non-slip mats in the shower, and ensure all areas are well-lit. Adding handrails to both sides of stairs is also highly recommended.

How can I assist someone who is scared of falling?

Focus on building confidence gradually. Start with small, controlled movements and exercises, and ensure a very safe, clear environment. Use a gait belt for extra security, provide constant verbal reassurance, and involve them in decisions about their care to empower them.

Is physical therapy important for people who have difficulty walking?

Yes, physical therapy is extremely important. A physical therapist can assess the individual's specific needs, develop a personalized exercise plan to improve strength and balance, and provide guidance on the correct use of mobility aids. This is a crucial step towards improving long-term mobility.

What's the difference between a walker and a rollator?

A standard walker provides more stability than a cane but must be lifted with each step. A rollator is a wheeled walker that is easier to push and includes a built-in seat and brakes, making it better for people with enough strength to control it over longer distances.