STAIRWAY: Walker on Stairs

In this video the caregiver will learn how to instruct an individual on using a walker on the strairs. No matter what device is being used on the stairs, we always lead up the stairs with the good/strong leg first and down the stairs with the bad/weak/injured/surgical leg first. In this video the "weak/involved" leg is indicated by the pink tape. The walker is placed sideways on the stairs, opposite a handrail if present.  If there is no handrail for assistance, the walker goes on the side opposite of the weak/injured/surgical leg.  We always recommend having the assistance of another person when at all possible.  Walker wheels can be placed on the inside of the walker to assist with placement of all four legs on the steps depending on step width. Apply a gait belt for safety.

Instructions for going up the stairs

  1. Turn the walker sideways
  2. Place the front walker legs on the first step above you, the walker will now sit at an angle upward on the steps
  3. Place hand on the front handle of the walker, apply pressure to check for stability
  4. Push down on the front handle of the walker and handrail to support the weak leg as you step up with the strong leg (for non-weight bearing clients:  hold weak leg up to clear step before hopping up with the strong leg )
  5. Then step up with the weak leg
  6. Next, bring the walker up to the next step with the front legs resting on the step above you 

**Due to varying step width, both sets of walker legs may not fully rest on both steps.  Make sure to always apply pressure through the weight bearing handle (front when going up the stairs) of the walker to check for stability before stepping up to the next step.

Instructions for going down the stairs

  1. Turn the walker sideways
  2. Place the back walker legs on the step beside you
  3. Place hand on the back handle of the walker, apply pressure to check for stability
  4. Push down on the back walker handle and handrail, shift weight onto strong leg and step down with the weak leg (for non-weight bearing clients: hold injured leg forward in order to clear the step)
  5. Then step down with the strong leg (for non-weight bearing: hop down with strong leg) 
  6. Move the walker down to so that the back legs again rest on the step beside you 

**Due to varying step width, both sets of walker legs may not fully rest on both steps.  Make sure to always apply pressure through the weight bearing handle (back when going down the stairs) of the walker to check for stability before stepping down to the next step.

https://aecorner.video/video/iatp/stairway-walker1