Jan Erik (60) broke his back falling in the stairs in 2017 - Read about his experience with the AssiStep stair climbing aid

Rehabilitation
After three months of training, and an extended stay at a rehabilitation center, he was able to start practicing walking the stairs again. This, however, turned out to be more difficult than it used to be. Afraid of suffering another fall, Jan Erik felt he had to hold on tight to the railing. His balance is not what it was previously, since parts of the damage to his neck and spine will never fully heal.

During his stay at a hospital neurological department, one of the occupational therapists aiding him during his rehabilitation tipped him about the AssiStep stair aid. Like most people, Jan Erik had no desire to do a full home makeover in order to keep living at home. From the living room window, he has a gorgeous view of the Botn lake, where he enjoys going fishing every year.

Jan Erik’s experience with the AssiStep stair climbing aid
“With the stair climbing aid AssiStep I expected being able to keep using the stairs without a fear of falling. A little extra security is better than too little, knowing the injuries I got from my previous fall.”

Jan Erik explains he is still stumbly and unsteady. His physical therapist encourages him to walk without holding on to anything - “to push me to get well and to get more control of my body.”

Stair lift
“We never considered a stair lift a viable alternative for us. I could hold on to the railing with both hands and I could get up and down after just three to four months rehabilitation.” When the stair climbing aid AssiStep had been installed, the house suddenly became more available for use.

• “I didn’t have to walk sideways, I could bring things along up or down and I had a physical safety device in case I should fall again. Walking the stairs is terrific for my body, and now I can do it in a safe manner”

Regaining fitness after the incident Jan Erik went through is not a sprint, but a marathon as he describes it. One has to push oneself and train correctly to achieve progress. Jan Erik now aims to return to working 80% in his job as a teacher, approximately one year after his accident.