All skills
Safety & Mobility

Assisting with Ambulation

Use a gait belt. Walk on the patient's weak side. The patient goes UP stairs with the strong leg first, and DOWN stairs with the weak leg first. Stand to the side and slightly behind.

5-10 minutes•11 steps•5 critical
Belt on, weak side first, watch the feet — never the elevator.

Why this matters

Belt on, weak side first, watch the feet — never the elevator.

Quick tips

  • Weak side first — the cane or your arm goes on the weak side
  • Walk slightly behind and to the side, not in front
  • Don't hold the patient by the arm — use the gait belt

Common mistakes

  • Standing on the strong side instead of the weak side
  • Letting the patient use the furniture as a walking aid
  • Walking too fast for the patient
  • Skipping non-skid footwear check