Sit to Stand

(Transfer)

It can be challenging to move from a seated position in a chair or sofa to a standing position for some.  Sit to stand transfers are a critical part to you being successful with your activities of daily living (ADL’s) like getting something to eat and answering the door.  Any number of factors can make it difficult to stand up like: muscle weakness, recent surgery, poor endurance, or neurological impairments.   The higher the seating surface the easier it will be to stand up from.  Avoid sitting on low surfaces.  

Finding the right seat or raising your seat with firm cushions/blocks under the chair legs can make a significant difference in getting up by yourself.

To safely go from sitting to standing

  Bring your feet back to edge of chair & scoot to edge of chair with your nose over toes

Place hands on arm rests or seat of your chair and push yourself up.

Stand tall

If you still need help from someone else to get up here are a few tips to make it easier and safer.

• Ask for help
• The other person can lift from your waist holding a gait belt, your waist band, or belt.
• Make sure your walking device (walker, cane, etc.) is close by.
• Scoot to the edge of the chair with your feet as far back and under you as possible.
• Never have some else pull on your arm or under your arm pit.
• Have the person helping you stand on your weaker or injured side.
• Use momentum and rock back & forth to a count of 3 into standing.
• Communicate with each other what your doing.