A device for assisting a person in a standing or sitting position, or switching between sitting and standing positions, includes an elongated member with free first and second end portions, and a middle portion. The middle portion includes a plurality of sections extending at an angle relative to one another. A hinge member is disposed between the first and second end portions. One of the free first and second end portions is adapted to be mounted to a support in a manner that the other of the first and second end portions is selectively disposed adjacent to or away from the support by operation of the hinge member.