Taking the Stairs: With a Support Cane

Adding a few changes to your approach can help you keep going wherever you'd like to no matter your level of vision. Here are a few tips that can help you use a support cane to go up and down stairs.

Always stand straight and upright. Don't look down at the stairs or try to count them. As that may distract you or throw you off balance. When going up a set of stairs, find the handrail first. If possible, hold the handrail with one hand and your cane in the opposite hand. Line up your feet in front of the first step. Shift your balance a little forward over both hips.

Now for each step, your cane will always go up first. You should get that cane tip good and set before ever moving your feet. So let's start. Keeping the cane upright, place the pole part against the edge of the first step. If you're using a quad cane, the two front feet should be against the step's riser. That's the vertical part of the step that's facing you.

Now, tap the toes of your strongest leg against the step's riser. Then, drag the toes up along that riser and on to the top of the step. Place your foot on the step. Now slide the toes of your other foot up the riser and place it on the step, joining your lead foot. Continue up this way one step at a time. The floor will level out when you reach the top and the handrail will end. Sometimes stairs are broken up by landings so once your cane no longer finds steps, you've reached the end.

Going down the stairs is similar in that you also stand straight and upright. Once again, there's no need to look down at the stairs or try to count them, as that can distract you or throw off your balance. If you're in a new place, ask someone to help you find the stairs.

Use the support cane to find the top of the stairs. If possible, use the other hand to find the handrail. Position your body next to the handrail. Now, line up your toes at the edge of the landing and shift your balance back a little over both hips. Slide the cane down the riser of the first step. Once the cane is securely placed, step down with the foot of the weaker leg. Then bring the other foot down.

Continue down the stairs this way until the cane no longer finds any more stairs. Sometimes the angle of the handrail changes at the bottom. And remember, some stairs are broken up by another landing. So once your cane no longer finds steps, you've reached the end.

As always, contact a learning expert if you have questions or your own tips to share. Of course, as with anything new, give yourself time, patience and practice and you'll get there.