Walkers: Stairs and Steps
Always use an elevator if one is available. Ask for different instructions if your walker has wheels. At first, always have someone below to guard you. A guard can stop you from falling if you lose your balance. “Up with the good and down with the bad” is an easy way to remember which leg to use first.
Up Stairs
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1. Turn the walker sideways so the crossbar is next to you. Place the first 2 legs on the step above you. Hold the walker with one hand and the handrail with the other. | 2. Support your weight evenly between the handrail and walker. Step up with your good leg. | 3. Bring your injured leg up. Then lift the walker to the next step. |
Down Stairs
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1. Turn the walker sideways so the crossbar is next to you. Place the back 2 legs on the step beside you. Hold the walker with one hand and the handrail with the other. | 2. Support your weight on your good leg. Step down with your injured leg. | 3. Support your weight evenly between the handrail and your walker. Slowly bring your good leg down. Then move the walker down to the next step. |