This video shows how to help someone sit down on and get up from a rollator.
Show transcript
In this video, we’ll show how to help someone sit down on and get up from a rollator.
Sitting down on a rollator
When the person you’re helping wants to sit down, have them place the rollator against a wall, and lock the brakes by pushing down the lever under each handle. This will help keep the rollator from moving.
Stand next to the person and hold your hands in front of and behind them, close to their waist.
Have them turn, keeping 1 hand on the rollator for stability. Once they turn, the person should firmly grip both handles. Their feet should be shoulder-width apart, with their toes pointing straight ahead.
Place 1 hand on their lower back, near their hip. Keep holding your other hand in front of their waist.
Bending at your knees, not your back, guide them as they slowly lower themselves onto the seat.
If the person can’t place the rollator against a wall, it’s helpful to hold it in place, especially on surfaces where it could slide.
To do this, have the person lock the brakes, then put your foot in front of one of the wheels under the padded backrest.
Follow the same steps to help the person turn around and sit.
Getting up from a rollator
When the person you’re helping wants to get up, have them place their feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart, with their toes pointing straight ahead. Make sure the brakes are still locked so the rollator doesn’t move while the person gets up.
Stand next to the person. Bending at your knees, not your back, hold 1 hand in front of their waist. Place your other hand on their lower back, near their hip.
Have the person firmly grip both handles and lean forward. On the count of 3, they should push down on the handles with their hands and push up through their legs to stand.
Keep your hands in place as they steady their balance. They should still be gripping both handles for stability.
Once the person is steady, lift your hand off their lower back. Hold your hands in front of and behind them, close to their waist.
Have them turn around, keeping 1 hand on the rollator for balance. When they’re ready, they can unlock the brakes by pulling up the lever under each handle, and start moving the rollator.
If the person didn’t place the rollator against a wall, you can hold it in place again when they want to get up.
To do this, make sure the brakes are still locked, then put your foot in front of one of the wheels under the padded backrest.
Follow the same steps to help the person stand up, turn around, and start moving.
If you have any questions, contact the person’s healthcare provider.
You can also find more information online at msk.org/pe.
