Dear Ronna,

My mom has been having trouble getting in and out of her favorite chair in the living room. I am very concerned that she will fall or hurt herself while she is attempting to stand. Is there anything we can do to help her?
Thanks,
Mary W.

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Dear Mary,

That is a great question and, yes, there are several things you can do to help your mom.
Many older people lose the strength necessary to easily stand up and sit down, even though it used to be easy. When someone is having difficulty standing and sitting, it could mean leg weakness and/or postural instability, which puts them at increased risk for falls while they are walking, so you are smart to take notice. If her chair is low, try placing a firm cushion on the seat to raise the height. Also try to use chairs that have arms. You may want to consider a new favorite chair. Also it may sound silly, but there is a right way to stand and sit from a chair. Try it yourself, for instance, without having your feet backed up to the chair; it is nearly impossible. Hopefully, this will help:

Use good body mechanics to stand up from a chair.
1. Scoot the buttocks forward toward the edge of the seat.
2. Bring feet back as close as possible to the chair.
3. Lean head and shoulders forward (Nose over toes).
4. Push hands down on the arms of the chair to stand (rather than pulling on a walker or another person).

To sit from standing:
1. Back knees up against the seat
2. Reach back for the arms of the chair prior to sitting.
3. Lean head forward as buttocks are lowered to seat.

If she continues to have trouble, you may want to seek out physical therapy for a strengthening program and a safety evaluation.

To Senior Safety and Independence!
Ronna

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