When a stairlift is not available, safely carrying someone upstairs becomes a challenging task. But, by understanding the best practices and techniques, one can ensure the safety and comfort of both the caregiver and the person being transported.
In this article, let’s explore some of the essential tips for carrying someone upstairs without a stairlift. We will also learn key considerations and methods to minimize risks and maintain stability throughout the process. Having said that, let’s dive in!
Things NOT to do When Carrying Someone Upstairs Without Using a Stairlift
Assisting individuals with limited mobility to cross staircases without a stairlift can be a challenging task. Therefore, it is highly important to approach such situations with utmost care and follow proper guidelines. If not, the safety and comfort of the person being carried, as well as the person responsible for transporting, is at risk.
But before we really dig into how to carry someone without a stairlift, let’s first discuss what not to do while helping such a person cross the stairs.
Carrying the Entire Wheelchair
One common mistake is attempting to carry the person while still seated in their wheelchair. It may seem like a convenient option, but in reality, it can put risks to both the caregiver and the person being transported.
It’s because, first of all, carrying the entire wheelchair can be physically demanding. Not to forget the size and weight of the wheelchair as it can obstruct proper balance on the stairs.
So, when carrying someone upstairs without a stairlift, please make sure not to focus on lifting and transporting the entire wheelchair. But what to do instead? We’ll discuss it later in this guide.
Carrying with the Power Mode On
If the wheelchair has a power mode or electric feature, do not transport the person with this mode on! It’s because operating a powered wheelchair during the carrying process can increase the risk of accidental movements. Plus, it can also lead to instability and potential injuries.
Deflating Tires
Another ill-advised practice is deflating the tires of the wheelchair before carrying it upstairs. It’s likely that reducing tire pressure will make the wheelchair lighter and easier to carry. However, this is not true.
If you deflate the tire before carrying someone upstairs, it can compromise the stability and control of the wheelchair. In addition to that, it can also make it more difficult to navigate the stairs safely.
So, in a nutshell, make sure to consider these three things before you carry someone upstairs without a stairlift:
● Do not carry the entire wheelchair.
● Do not keep the power mode turned on while carrying.
● Do not deflate the tires.
How to Carry Someone Upstairs Without Using a Stairlift?
Now that we know what not to do, let’s dive deep into how to carry someone upstairs without using a stair lift.
But Before You Do That…
Carrying someone upstairs without a stairlift can be a hard task. You need to make sure the person in the wheelchair and the caregiver are both okay. So, you need to prepare for the situation before you attempt to carry the wheelchair. Here’s how you can do that.
Eliminate Excess Weight
To avoid any inconvenience while carrying someone upstairs, ensure that all unnecessary weight is removed before starting. Get rid of bags, accessories, and detachable parts from their mobile device or wheelchair. This will help increase control and ease of maneuvering when crossing the stairway.
Opt for Manual Mode
As we said earlier, do not carry a wheelchair with the power mode on. Instead, make sure to switch it over to manual mode first.
This simple step can protect against unintentional movements that may occur during transport and provide a more secure experience overall. It helps further by granting greater control over momentum and balance during step transitions. So, take advantage of this feature for safer travels every time!
Maintain Proper Tire Inflation
Maintaining optimum inflation levels of your wheelchair’s tires is important for a safe transportation experience with heightened comfort and security. So, make sure you do not deflate the tires because inflated tires can ultimately help transport easily.
Secure the Seatbelt
Before you attempt to carry an individual up any staircase, make sure that they are tightly strapped (but not too tightly, of course) into a reliable seat belt or harness for security purposes.
Such a step avoids any unwanted movement during the transporting process while also protecting their personal welfare at all costs.
Apply Anti-Skid Tape
To further enhance safety, consider applying anti-skid tape to the stairs’ surface. This tape provides extra traction and grip, reducing the risk of slipping or losing balance while ascending or descending the stairs.
Overall, by following these essential steps — eliminating excess weight, using manual mode, maintaining proper tire inflation, securing the seatbelt, and applying anti-skid tape —you can ensure a safer and more controlled experience when carrying someone upstairs without a stairlift.
How to Get a Wheelchair Up a Flight of Stairs? Two Rules to Follow
Now, let’s get really into this and see how you can successfully carry a wheelchair upstairs. There are no hard and fast rules, and it’s just a matter of two rules, as discussed here.
Individual Approach: One Person – One Step at a Time
In the individual approach, where only one person is available to assist, the process requires patience, strength, and coordination. Here are all the tips:
1. First, make sure all the precautions are followed, as mentioned earlier in this guide.
2. Start by positioning the wheelchair parallel to the stairs, facing upwards, with the brakes engaged.
3. Lift and carry the individual and the wheelchair one step at a time, maintaining stability and balance between each step.
4. Repeat this process until you reach the top, ensuring clear communication and a steady pace.
Group Approach: Multiple People – Multiple Steps at a Time
Alternatively, in the group approach involving multiple people, you can assign roles to distribute the workload and ensure a more efficient process. Again, you can follow these steps:
1. Make sure all the precautions are followed.
2. Designate individuals to support the wheelchair from different angles and synchronize movements.
3. Lift the wheelchair and the individual together, taking multiple steps simultaneously.
4. Clearly communicate with your team members to maintain synchronization and progress.
5. Prioritize proper lifting techniques, good body mechanics, and the safety of everyone involved.
In the end, both approaches require patience, coordination, and clear communication. But, whether you opt for the individual or group approach, safety should be the top priority.
So, feel free to take breaks as needed, ensure comfort, and prioritize the well-being of the individual being transported. By following these guidelines, you can transport a wheelchair while minimizing risks and ensuring a safer experience for all involved.
Are there Any Alternatives to a Stairlift?
There are several alternatives to stairlifts that can help individuals with mobility challenges in crossing stairs with ease. Here are some various options worth considering:
● Chair Ramps Installation: Chair ramps provide a gentle incline making it easy for wheelchair users to access different levels without requiring a stairlift. Additionally, these ramps can be installed both indoors and outdoors based on the location of the stairs.
● Divider Tracks and Ramps Installation: Another viable solution is installing divider tracks and ramps that create an independent path running alongside the staircase. The tracks and ramps cater to wheelchair users creating a more accessible route for those who cannot use a stairlift.
● Home Wheelchair Lift Installation: A home wheelchair lift (also known as a vertical platform lift) is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an alternative way of transporting individuals and wheelchairs between different levels of your building. These lifts operate vertically and can be tailored to fit specific space requirements.
● Handrails Installation on Either Side of the Staircase: Another alternative option is adding handrails on both sides of the staircase, which provide additional support and stability for individuals who can navigate stairs with minimal assistance.
● Moving Living Areas Ground Floor: For those with serious mobility challenges, rearranging household areas can be a good idea. You can do this by relocating them from upstairs to the ground floor.
Final Words
Carrying someone upstairs without a stairlift requires careful planning and execution. However, by following guidelines such as using appropriate transfer devices, turning off power modes, maintaining proper tire inflation, securing seatbelts, and enhancing grip with anti-skid tape, the process can be carried out with greater safety and ease.
Also, whether you go for an individual or group approach, clear communication and prioritizing the well-being of the person being carried out are essential. Always remember that seeking professional help is recommended for optimal safety, so consider that too.
