She is very fearful going down steps facing forward, but insists she want to go to a family gathering that requires her to go up a full 14 steps. Two people will be helping her, so I think she'll get up okay. Facing the descent is more scary, even with a person in front of her. I see no recommendations online for facing backwards or sitting on each step. Has anyone tried either?
One of my Mom's doctors had recommended a single vision pair of glasses when she doesn't need close up vision... like glasses used for driving, looking in the distance. The doctor said it would make walking easier so she could easily step up or down at a curb, instead of using her foot like one does to stick their toes to test to see how cold the swimming pool water.
Have you spoken to her doctor about this " feeling " she has?
Now what to do at someone else's house.... I can't envision a lady of 92 going down the stairs by siding on her backside and trying to slide from one step to another. My Dad [94] has tried that at his own house which has stairs that are U shaped thus there is a landing for him to rest, and he said he was exhausted.
I wouldn't recommend going backwards down the stairs as that is so unnatural that anyone helping Mom could fall in the process.
Best bet is like you had mentioned having two people helping Mom.... have Mom hold onto the handrail with someone holding her arm as a guide. Now a younger bigger person could be in front of her as a buffer in case she feels she will fall, but note whomever is in front could also fall.
I recommend whomever is helping Mom to do this quietly, the softer the voice the easier depending on her hearing.... no loud WATCH IT, MOM, DON"T FALL, as that could startle her.
having written all that I see the original question referred to going down stairs.
I would guess the easiest would be sideways. Have Mum face the rail and hold on with both hands. Let the strong leg lead. Put the strong leg on the next step then bring the weak one down beside it and repeat. Mum will be steady enough holding on with both hands to look down and see where the next step is so she won't get disorientated. A circle of helpers of course is needed for safety but don't stop letting her have fun if she really wants to go.
My mom did the backwards stair climbing going down and it worked for her - she had bad hips and knees, and they had let an OT recommend and get good stair rails installed that served her well. She eventually fell off a step stool trying to clean a closet that did not need cleaned, though....
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