Wheeled Mobility Devices

Wheeled mobility devices, which include manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and scooters are assistive devices. Often times, someone is not instructed best practice to stand from a manual wheelchair. If you are with someone using a wheelchair and they need to stand, verbally cue them the following:

1. Check brakes, and ensure they are locked.
2. Grab side handles of the wheelchair
3. Lean slightly forward, nose over knees while looking about 3 feet in front of you.
4. Lift body up

If the person uses a walker, make sure the walker is already in front of them. A person must be seated all the way back in the wheelchair prior to beginning to stand.

Providing these cues decreases the risk of falls from a wheelchair and increases the overall safety of your loved one.