Sit to stand with one carer

Before helping the client to stand, check there is enough space around the chair for the carer. 

1. Ask the client to put their hands on the armrests of the chair 

2. Ask the client to lean forward in the chair and move towards the front of the seat 

3. Ask the client to put their feet flat on the floor. The feet should be hip width apart and under their knees 

4. Ask the client to lean forward while still sitting, so their upper body is above and over the tops of their knees 

5. Carer to stand in the lunge position, facing forward at the side of and behind the client 

6. Outside hand is flat on the front of the client’s shoulder, inside arm across lower back around the hips, not the waist 

7. With weight on the carer’s back foot, rock forward with client, same verbal cues (‘ready, steady and stand’), stand up with client and bring inside leg through to step in tight to client’s side. The carer’s hip should be touching the client’s side 

8. Check client’s arms are free and in front of them. 

From standing to sitting 

1. Ask the client to feel for the chair (or bed) with the backs of their legs, reach for the arms of the chair and gently lower themselves. 

2. Encourage the client to bend forward at the hips to facilitate a better position for sitting. Either say ‘lean forward and bend at your hips’ or place the carer’s hand in front of the client’s hip.