When assisting someone with seating, what is a key action the learner must take?

Grasping the back of the chair for stability is crucial when assisting someone with seating. This action provides the learner with a reliable support point, which can help them maintain their balance and control as they prepare to sit down. By holding onto the back of the chair, the learner can exert a degree of force and leverage that prevents tipping or sliding, which might occur if they rely solely on their legs or the seat itself for support.

Additionally, this technique encourages a safe approach to sitting by helping the individual to align their body appropriately with the chair, which is essential for preventing falls and ensuring proper posture once seated. The chair serves as a physical anchor, allowing the learner to comfortably transfer their weight without losing balance.

The other actions, while they might seem plausible, are not conducive to safe seating practices. Leaning forward without support could lead to falls, keeping arms at the sides limits the ability to stabilize, and facing away from the chair generally introduces instability and makes the seating process more difficult and potentially unsafe.