The person you’re caring for may need help to do things like walking round their home, getting out of bed and moving to a chair. It’s important to speak to a relevant healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or district nurse about ways to move someone safely.
Before you try to help someone walk, sit or stand up
If the person you’re helping has had a big change in their ability to move, it’s best to talk to a healthcare professional before moving them. This could be a doctor, occupational therapist, physiotherapist or district nurse.
If you need urgent support, or the person’s mobility has suddenly got worse, call 111 for advice. They will be able to get you the right assistance.
Things to remember
- Take care of your own health. Do not move or handle someone else unless you’re fit and well and have been advised by relevant healthcare professionals.
- Only help someone out of bed, to stand up, or to walk if they cannot do it safely alone, and if you’ve been shown a safe method by a healthcare professional.
- Do not try to support all or most of the person’s weight – you could hurt them and yourself.
Mobility assessment
Healthcare professionals can help to assess the person’s mobility. This is sometimes called a moving and handling assessment. They can check the situation and give you the right support to make sure both you and the person you care for are safe. This might include:
- checking the person’s condition further
- providing equipment
- referring to extra social care if needed
- teaching you and the person you’re caring for how to move safely.
If you’re unsure where to start, talk to the person’s GP. They should be able to refer you to on to services that can help further, like physiotherapists or occupational therapists.
Getting professional support with helping someone move
You may not feel confident moving someone yourself, even after speaking with a healthcare professional. Or you may be concerned that the person’s needs have changed since they were last seen by a healthcare professional to assess their mobility.
This is OK and there are professionals who can offer further advice and support. Speak with a health or social care professional, such as:
- an occupational therapist, if you’re already in touch with one
- a physiotherapist, if you’re already in touch with one
- your district nurse
- your GP, for a referral to professionals with experience in helping people move.
Your local council may also be able to help. Some councils run free training courses on safe handling. If they do not have one, they might help you to find another course.
Carer’s assessment
You can get a carer’s assessment from your local social care services too. This is not to assess how good you are at caring, but to ask you about your needs and how being a carer impacts your life.
You may find that you’re entitled to equipment or a home adaptation to help you provide care.
Needs assessment
The person you care for can also ask for an assessment – known as a needs assessment. This assesses what sort of help and support the person you’re caring for could need, such as healthcare, equipment or help in their home.
Getting walking aids and equipment
There are different types of walking aids and equipment which may make it easier for the person to move around. These could include:
- walking sticks
- walking frames
- wheelchairs
- mobility scooters.
Some walking aids and equipment are available to borrow for free, or for a small deposit from the NHS. Speak to the person’s doctor, nurse or physiotherapist if you think they might need a walking aid. They can help to provide equipment to suit the person’s needs.
Community alarms (also called telecare alarms)
Some people also consider a community (telecare) alarm. This is an alarm that can be installed in the person’s home and worn as a pendant or wrist strap. If it’s activated, it alerts nominated people or a community team that the person needs assistance.
Services vary throughout the UK. Most services cost money. Find out more for your area using the links below.
In Northern Ireland, telecare alarms are usually provided by private companies. Look for one that suits you and is local to your area
Managing pain when helping someone walk, sit and stand up
Moving around can be painful for some people living with a terminal illness. Movements such as standing up or getting out of a chair can cause discomfort. But there are ways you can help manage the pain to make moving around more comfortable.
Suggest the person takes painkillers before attempting movement
Get advice on whether the person should take any medication before you plan to stand or walk. Ask their doctor, nurse or healthcare team which painkiller they should take. Painkillers can take 20 to 30 minutes to work, so plan movements ahead to reduce pain.
Try not to rush
Encourage the person to take their time. Rushing can be more tiring, less safe and can cause breathlessness.
Plan the journey in advance
Think about the route the person will take and any movements they will need to do. Planning can help avoid hazards. Know where they can stop – whether that’s a place that has something they can hold on to, or a chair to rest. If they’re going outside, consider benches and walls along the route.
Reducing the risk of falls
If the person you’re caring for struggles to stand and walk on their own, they may have a higher risk of falling. Falls are not always serious, but they can cause injuries. They can also affect the person’s confidence and make them feel less independent. So, it’s important to reduce the risk of falls where you can.
Here are some practical things you can do to help:
- Keep rooms and walkways tidy and free from clutter.
- Use non-slip mats and rugs, where possible.
- Make sure rooms, passages and staircases are well lit. You could consider some motion-sensor lights, nightlights, or leave some lights on.
- Check for and remove trip hazards, like rugs, frayed carpet or furniture sticking out.
- Make sure the person wears well-fitted shoes or socks that can grip the floor.
- Make sure the person wears glasses or hearing aids, if they need them.
- Take care of the person’s feet, such as keeping their toenails short. Some people might need to see a chiropodist for more support.
- Encourage the person to stay hydrated, as dehydration can affect their balance.
- Keep things they might want or need in easy reach to avoid stretching, climbing or bending.
If the person you’re caring for falls
It can be distressing if the person you’re caring for falls, especially if you’re alone with them. It’s important to try to keep calm, so you can get help.
If you’re with them when they fall
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Call for help. If the person is injured, call 999. If you’re not sure, call 111. They’ll give you advice and send an ambulance if needed. The paramedics will check the person who’s fallen, and make sure they get appropriate medical support.
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Do not try to move the person who’s fallen. You could injure yourself and them.
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Make the person who’s fallen as comfortable as possible. For example, you could use a pillow to support their head or keep them warm with a blanket.
You might have a local Falls Team that can help you. This is not available in all parts of the UK. Ask your local GP surgery or check the GP’s website to see if there are services in your area.
Find out more about how to self-refer for help if someone has a fall on the NHS website.