As people get older, physical decline can increase the risk of falling. For seniors with limited mobility, arthritis or poor vision, stairs can be particularly dangerous. A fall can lead to broken bones, head trauma and even death. Here are some ways to make stairs safer for an older family member.
Reduce the Risk of Tripping and Slipping
Shoes, clothes and other objects that don’t belong on the stairs can increase the chance of falling for people of any age, but especially for seniors. Put things away where they belong. If you don’t want to take multiple trips to carry things upstairs, put them on a table or in a basket near the stairs, but not on them.
Smooth stairs can be slippery. Stair treads and non-slip floor coatings can make stairs safer for your loved one.
Make the Stairs Easy to See
Poor lighting and shadows can make it hard to see, which can increase the risk of falling. Check the lighting above and near the stairs. Make sure that every step is well lit and install additional lighting if necessary.
As people get older, their vision tends to decline. Limited vision and problems with depth perception can make it difficult to see exactly where a step is located. That can cause seniors to set a foot in the wrong place and fall. Painting the steps a different color than the area around them can make it easier for your loved ones to see where each step is and prevent an accident.
Check or Install Railings
If a staircase currently has railings, check them to make sure that they’re secure. Every step should have a railing within reach on either side. There shouldn’t be any gaps. If necessary, replace damaged railings or install new railings on one or both sides of the stairs.
Consider Installing a Stair Lift and/or Outdoor Ramp
For seniors with limited mobility, walking up and down stairs may simply be too dangerous. In that case, a stair lift can be attached to the stairs to make upper floors accessible. Your loved one will be able to sit on a seat and ride safely along a rail to another level of the house. The seat can be folded up when it isn’t being used so others will be able to walk up and down the stairs without bumping into it.
If your family member’s house has steps leading up to an outside door, they can pose another safety hazard. Outdoor steps have many of the same risks as indoor stairs, but rain, snow and ice can increase the risk of falling. Installing a ramp can make it easier to get in and out of the house safely. Non-slip treads, paint or tape can prevent slip-and-fall accidents for all ages.
