Helping someone sit, stand and walk
Your friend or family member 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, about ways to move someone safely.
On this page:
Before you try to help someone sit, stand or walk
If the person you are providing support to has experienced a significant change to their mobility or function, you should seek advice from a relevant healthcare professional before moving the patient. This could be an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or district nurse.
They can review the situation and provide appropriate support to make sure your needs, and the needs of the person you are caring for, are met safely. This may involve:
- further assessment of the patient
- equipment provision
- education for you and the person you're caring for on how to move someone safely.
It's important to remember that:
- you must look after your own health, and not move or handle someone else unless you are fit and well and have been advised by relevant healthcare professionals
- you should only help someone get out of bed, stand up, or walk if they are unable to do it safely on their own
- you should not bear all or even most of the weight of another person – you could injure the person you are trying to help and yourself.
Read more about professionals who might be part of a palliative care team.
Getting support with moving someone
You may not feel confident moving someone yourself, even after speaking with a healthcare professional. Or you may be concerned 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 are already in touch with one
- your GP, for a referral to professionals with experience in helping people move.
Carer's assessment
You can get a carer's assessment from your local social care services too. This isn't to assess how good you are at caring, but to ask you about your needs and how being a carer impacts your life. The person you care for can also ask for an assessment.
You may find that you're entitled to equipment or a home adaptation to help you provide care. Social services can provide equipment and training with moving and handling.
Find out how to apply for a carer’s assessment.
Read more about how to get social care and support.
If the person you care for uses walking aids and equipment
Get advice from the GP, occupational therapist or physiotherapist if your family member or friend uses walking aids or equipment. This could include a walking stick or frame.
They will tell you how to help them sit, stand and walk safely using the aids or equipment.
If the person you care 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:
- Call for help. If the person is injured or you think they might be, call 999. If you are 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.
- Do not try to move the person who's fallen. You could injure yourself and them.
- Make the person who's fallen as comfortable as possible. For example, you could keep them warm with a blanket.
More information and support
It can be distressing to see your loved one needing more support. Our nurses, trained officers and volunteers are here to support you:
- Call our free Support Line on 0800 090 2309
- Chat to us on webchat
- Send us an email at support@mariecurie.org.uk
- Speak with other people in similar situations on our online community.
Our Support Line is open 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 11am – 5pm on Saturday.
About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
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