Senior Stair Safety: Staying Independent and Safe at Home

Many homes in Canada have an upstairs floor or a basement, which may contain a few bedrooms and one or two bathrooms. This creates a nice separation of space in your home. The upstairs or basement is used as a private area, and the main floor is commonly used as shared space for relaxing, cooking, and even entertaining. Most multi-level homes use stairs to connect the two different levels of the home. Others have stairs connecting the main floor with a basement. It’s safe to say that most homes have some sort of staircase in or around them or even a few steps outside, leading up to the entrance door. As we age, navigating staircases can become challenging and sometimes even dangerous. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among seniors. When planning to age in place, thinking about senior stair safety and making modifications where necessary is important. Thankfully, there are several ways to reduce the risk of falls on stairs.

Why Stairs Can Be Dangerous For Older Adults

Stairs can be hazardous for older adults for physical, environmental, and cognitive reasons. As we naturally age, we may experience a decline in our balance, vision, mobility, and strength. All of these play an important role in our ability to navigate stairs. The consequences of falling down the stairs only get more serious as we get older. For many older Canadians, one fall can lead to serious repercussions like broken bones, traumatic head injuries and other injuries that can lead to a loss of independence. After which, it’s common that many older adults in Canada find themselves needing to move out of their homes into assisted living situations after a fall. Even if no serious injuries are incurred, one bad fall can trigger a deep fear of falling again, which can lead to an individual experiencing reduced activity, isolation, and a loss of confidence.

Some prescription drugs can also cause dizziness or low blood pressure, which can increase the chance of a fall. Some health conditions, like Arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease, and Osteoporosis, can also contribute to reduced balance and mobility. Visual impairments also make falls more likely. 

Environmental factors can also contribute to someone experiencing a serious fall down the stairs. Poor lighting, clutter, loose or worn-out carpeting, slippery or short/steep hardwood can all increase the chances of a fall occurring.

Improving Senior Stair Safety

Many homes, particularly older ones, weren’t built with senior stair safety in mind. When homes aren’t adjusted to meet the needs of the individuals living in them, it can add risks to everyday household activities. Why is it important to understand what can increase the likelihood of accidents and take actions to mitigate those risks? Falls, especially for older adults, can have serious long-term repercussions. Thankfully, there are many easy-to-implement and affordable ways to make staircases safer for older adults.

Improve Staircase Lighting

Poor lighting makes it hard to see where you’re going at night. It’s an often overlooked hazard when it comes to stair safety. “I’ve gone down these stairs hundreds of times. If I just take it slow, muscle memory will take care of the rest.” However, dim lighting can make it difficult for older adults to see the edges of the steps, especially if they have visual impairments. All it takes is one misstep for a nasty fall to occur. Installing bright lights at the top and bottom of the steps can help improve visibility, helping you to see every step you take a lot better. Consider using motion-activated lights or nightlights for extra visibility without you even having to think about it. Implementing these tips can help improve depth perception and reduce the likelihood of missteps.

Install Handrails on Both Sides

By installing handrails on the stairs, you provide strong support and extra balance for any older adult using the stairs. Installing them on both sides of the staircase provides even more balance support, while also providing extra leverage for anyone who has more trouble getting up the stairs. Handrails should extend the full length of the stairs and should be sturdy and easy to grip. Handrails can decrease the risk of falling while also increasing the confidence of any older adult who needs to access multiple levels of their home.

Use Non-Slip Treads or Stair Carpeting

Hardwood or polished tiles can make for slippery stair surfaces, which can increase the risk of a fall occurring. Adding non-slip treads on each step or carpeting throughout the staircase is an easy and cost-effective way to improve traction. Make sure the coverings are securely fastened to each step. Loose carpeting can seriously increase the likelihood of a fall occurring.

Declutter and Remove Hazards

Things lying on the ground are tripping hazards. By keeping the stairway clear of objects like shoes, clothing, baskets and loose rugs, you reduce the chances of falling around the staircase. By keeping the top and bottom of your stairs clear of obstructions, you not only help your home stay visually appealing, but you can also help yourself remain independent and safe at home.

Install a Stairlift

When an older adult has limitations with their mobility, it may be a good time to consider installing a stairlift. This is especially true if they need to go upstairs frequently to reach the bedroom, bathroom, or another commonly used area of the home. Stairlifts provide a safe and reliable way to move between the floors of your home. Motorized chairs glide along a rail installed on the staircase, allowing the user to sit comfortably while moving up and down the stairs. Though they can be a large upfront investment, they provide great value for older adults who are committed to aging in place in their multi-level home. They can also reduce the strain on the knees, hips, and joints. This can help preserve energy, reduce injury risk, and improve confidence in one’s mobility.

Use a Medical Alert System

While taking precautionary steps can help reduce the chances of a fall occurring, they can still happen to anybody at any time. Pairing the senior stair safety tips we just discussed with a medical alert system adds an extra layer of protection. These devices can help you call for help should a fall occur on the stairs, or anywhere in and sometimes even outside of the home. Falling down the stairs can be a very painful experience. It can leave you unable to move, which may make reaching a phone difficult. If you experience any major injuries, time may not be on your side. The faster you’re able to get help, the better off you will be. Long lie times can worsen injuries and health outcomes. Medical alarm devices can provide quick help after an accident or medical emergency, but they can also provide peace of mind for older and vulnerable adults and their caregivers and family members.

Stair safety might not be top of mind when you’re thinking about how you can age in place, but it can make a huge difference in your quality of life. Planning can make all the difference in the quality of life you have when you’re older. By understanding the risks and challenges you may face, you can plan for them and figure out how you can continue living a life filled with independence, dignity, and control. Making changes early can keep you or a loved one safer tomorrow.