How to Help Someone Stand up From a Chair Safely

In the second video of our moving and handling training series, we explore essential techniques for safely assisting someone standing up from a chair. With the right methods, you can ensure safety for both the Caregiver and the individual, and avoid common pitfalls that could lead to injury.

Why safe handling techniques are important

Helping someone stand up from a chair is something many of us do without thinking, but when someone’s older or struggling with mobility, it takes a bit more care. It’s not about pulling or lifting. It’s about working with the person, using simple, safe techniques that protect both of you from injury. Taking a moment to get the position right, using gentle prompts, and encouraging them to do as much as they can themselves can make the whole process smoother and more comfortable. Whether you're helping a parent at home or supporting someone you care for, knowing how to do this well really helps.

Common mistakes in assisting to stand

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when helping someone stand up. One of the most common is pulling them up without thinking about how — especially from under the arms or while standing right in front of them. It might feel helpful in the moment, but it can put a real strain on your back and cause discomfort or even injury for the person you’re supporting.

Another issue is not checking how someone’s sitting before you start. If they’re too far back in the chair or their feet aren’t flat on the floor, it’s much harder for them to stand safely.

A few things to watch out for:

• Pulling from the wrong place: Grabbing under the arms or pulling straight on can hurt. It's better to guide from the sides and let them do as much of the work as they can.

• Not talking it through: A calm explanation helps them feel steady and makes sure you’re both ready at the same time.

• Feet in the wrong place: If their feet aren’t firmly planted and slightly back, they won’t have the balance or push to stand properly.

With a bit of planning and patience, standing up can feel much safer and easier — for both of you.

Why the right technique matters

Helping someone stand might seem straightforward, but if it’s done the wrong way, it can lead to falls, pulled muscles or lasting discomfort for both the person and the Caregiver. Using proper technique keeps everyone safer and makes the move feel more comfortable and under control.

It also supports the person’s confidence. When things are steady and familiar, they’re more likely to feel secure and take an active part in standing, which can help them stay more mobile over time.

Getting someone into the right position

Before helping someone to stand, it’s important to make sure they’re sitting in the right place. Ask them to shuffle forward in the chair so they’re closer to the edge. This makes it much easier for them to stand without too much strain.

Next, encourage them to place their hands firmly on the armrests. This gives them something solid to push against and helps them feel more secure.

Check that their feet are flat on the floor, about shoulder-width apart, with their stronger foot slightly in front. This stance gives better balance and a steadier push off the ground. Finally, remind them to look straight ahead, not down. Looking down can throw them off balance and make the whole movement feel less stable

Foot placement and balance

Getting someone’s feet in the right position really helps when they’re trying to stand. Their feet should be about shoulder-width apart, with their stronger foot just slightly in front. It doesn’t need to be a big step, just enough to give them a bit more push. Their toes should be tucked back under their knees so they’ve got something solid to push from.

It’s also worth checking your own feet. If you stand with them a comfortable distance apart, you’ll feel more balanced and better able to give support without wobbling or overreaching.

Using clear communication: “Ready, steady, stand”

When you're helping someone stand up, how you talk to them matters just as much as what you do. Saying “ready, steady, stand” gives a clear rhythm that’s easy to follow and helps you both move at the same time. It works better than counting to three, which can sometimes feel rushed or catch people off guard.

Using the same phrase each time builds trust and gives the person a sense of what’s coming. Keep your voice calm and steady, and try to make eye contact so they know you’re with them. A bit of reassurance — like saying “take your time” or “we’ll do it together” — can help them feel more at ease before they push up to stand.

Where to place your hands

Getting your hands in the right place makes standing up feel safer and more controlled for both of you. One good way is to cup your hands with your fingers together, using the base of your palm for support. Place one hand gently at the front of their shoulder and the other on their lower back or opposite hip. This helps you guide them without pulling or grabbing.

Another approach is to stand facing them, with your feet in a comfortable L-shape. This gives you a steady position to work from, especially if you’re helping someone who needs a bit more support. The hand placement stays the same either way. Just remember — no sudden movements, and keep things calm and steady.

However you’re standing, always watch your posture. Try not to bend or twist. A straight back and a relaxed stance will help you stay balanced while giving them the support they need.

Looking after your back

It’s easy to forget your own posture when you’re focused on helping someone else, but keeping your spine straight really matters. If you bend at the waist or try to lift with your back, you’re much more likely to strain something.

Instead, let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight, bend your knees slightly if you need to, and brace your core muscles for stability. This not only protects you, but also shows the person you’re helping how to move safely too. Encourage them to push through their feet and use their own strength, rather than relying fully on yours.

Adapting your approach to suit the person

Not everyone feels confident standing up in the same way. Some people need a bit more time or a different kind of support to feel safe. It’s all about finding what works best for them on the day. Here are a few gentle alternatives to try:

• Side-by-side support: Instead of standing in front and pulling, try standing next to them and offering support with your body. This can feel steadier and less overwhelming, especially if they’re nervous about falling.

• Using equipment: If they use a walking frame or standing aid, make sure it’s nearby and in the right place. Having something familiar to hold on to can help them feel more in control and able to do more themselves.

• Taking it slowly: If they’re feeling wobbly or unsure, help them lean forward slightly first — just enough to shift their weight. Then give them time to push up when they’re ready. A slower, step-by-step approach can help them feel less rushed and more confident.

Helpful equipment to support standing and independence

The right equipment can make everyday movements feel easier, safer and more manageable. It can also help the person you’re supporting stay more independent, which often does a lot for their confidence too. Here are some tools worth considering:

• Rise and recline chairs
  These are ideal for people who struggle to stand from a regular chair. With the press of a button, the chair gently lifts and tilts forward to help them get into a standing position without straining. They’re designed to support good posture and reduce pressure.

• Height-boosting cushions
  A simple, firm cushion can raise the seat height just enough to make standing easier. Some are adjustable, which means they can be tailored to the person’s needs. Higher seats mean less effort to stand — and less need for hands-on help.

• Couch caddies or standing handles
  These small grip bars attach to the side of a chair or sofa and give the person something solid to hold as they stand. They’re especially helpful if armrests are too low or too soft to push from.

For more detail on how to use equipment safely, or to see what might be best in different situations, take a look at our Moving and Handling Training.

Choosing a chair that supports standing well

The chair someone uses every day plays a big part in how easy and safe it is for them to stand. Here’s what to look out for:

• Sturdy armrests
  These should be firm and secure enough for the person to push against without wobbling. Soft or low armrests often make standing harder.

• The right seat height
  Their feet should be flat on the floor when seated, with knees level or slightly lower than their hips. If the seat’s too low, it’s much harder to get up.

• Firm but comfortable cushioning
  A chair that’s too soft can make someone sink in and struggle to shift forward. A firm, supportive seat is usually easier to stand from.

Seat pads and extra cushions can help with posture or comfort, as long as they’re stable and don’t slip around.

Simple equipment that helps with safe standing

In some cases, extra bits of kit can make things safer and more manageable — especially if the person is unsteady or at higher risk of falling.

• Grab bars
  Fixed near chairs, beds or in bathrooms, grab bars give a reliable point to hold onto when standing up or shifting position.

• Walking aids
  A cane, walking frame or rollator can offer support once the person is upright. Just make sure it’s well positioned before they stand.

• Transfer aids
  If someone finds it hard to move between a bed and chair, or from one seat to another, equipment like transfer boards or turntables can make the movement smoother and reduce the risk of slips or strain.

Need more support with safe standing?

Helping someone stand safely doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple techniques and the right equipment, you can make the process safer, more comfortable, and less tiring for both of you. It’s about knowing what to look for, working with the person’s ability, and making small changes that support their independence.

If you’d like to learn more, take a look at our other Moving and Handling resources. And if you're a family member of one of our clients and think you'd benefit from hands-on training to support your loved one, we often have free spaces available on our Moving and Handling courses. Get in touch with Jo Clearly at [email protected] to find out more.