5 Ways To Make Stairs Safer For Seniors Living At Home

Stairs can be treacherous for seniors who are living at home. If your mom or dad is still living in the family home, which has stairs, you are probably worried about them falling on those stairs. But if your mom or dad really wants to stay in the home they love that they have lived in for years the best thing to do is make those stairs as safe as possible.

It’s also a good idea to consider getting 24-hour home care for your mom or dad. With 24-hour home care someone will be in the house with your senior parent around the clock to help them get up and down the stairs safely. And if they do fall, someone will be there to help them.

In addition to bringing in 24-hour home care, you can make stairs safer for you senior parent by:

Install Handrails on Both Sides

One handrail isn’t always enough for seniors. Installing rails on both sides gives them more support. Two handrails allow your mom or dad to use both hands to stay steady as they climb or descend.

Choose handrails that are easy to grip and don’t get too cold or slippery. You can also add grip tape or other material that will make it easier for your mom or dad to get a good hold on the railing. Wooden rails are often a good choice because they stay warm to the touch. But make sure the rails are securely mounted so they can handle extra weight without moving.

Add Non-Slip Treads or Carpeting

Slippery stairs are dangerous for anyone, but especially for seniors. Adding non-slip treads can reduce the risk of a fall.

These treads are easy to attach and come in a variety of styles. Some are rubber or textured to improve grip.

For stairs that are already carpeted, make sure the carpet is secure and doesn’t have loose or frayed edges. Loose carpeting can catch on a shoe and cause a fall.

Improve Lighting on Stairs

Good lighting is essential for stair safety. Poor lighting can make it hard to see each step, increasing the chance of a misstep. Bright, even lighting helps seniors see the edges and surface of each step.

Place light switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs so they don’t have to go up or down in the dark. LED lights are a good option because they’re bright and energy-efficient. Consider adding motion-sensor lights if switches are hard to reach.

Adding small LED lights on the underside of the steps is also a smart way to use lighting to help your mom or dad avoid falls. That way your senior parent can clearly see where the edge of the step is.

Mark the Edges of Each Step

Seniors sometimes struggle to see where each step begins and ends. Adding contrasting tape to the edge of each step can make them easier to see. Bright colors like yellow or white work well, especially if the stairs are dark. You can use adhesive strips or glow-in-the-dark tape. Marking each step’s edge helps reduce visual confusion and guides seniors as they walk.

If the stairs don’t have any carpet you can also use high-contrast paint on the stairs so that your mom or dad will have an easier time seeing the edge of each step.

Consider a Stair Lift

For seniors with serious mobility issues, a stair lift might be the safest option. Stair lifts are motorized seats that move up and down the stairs on a rail.

Stair lifts allow seniors to sit safely while being transported up or down. While stair lifts are more expensive than other options, they greatly reduce the risk of a fall. Some models fold up when not in use, leaving room on the stairs for others.

If you’re worried that your mom or dad could fall on the stairs and you don’t want to risk them falling when they’re alone a stair lift is a great option. You could also move them to a first floor bedroom so they don’t need to go upstairs at all.

If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-hour home care in Scarsdale, NY, please contact the caring staff at Griswold Home Care for Scarsdale & Yonkers today. (914) 337-5028.