Improving Stair Safety for the Elderly

For people over age 65, stairs can be a concern – especially if you live alone. Falls can result in broken bones, surgery, loss of mobility and an overall decline in quality of life. Risks can increase with age, in response to vision changes and joint issues affecting flexibility.

Stairs pose an obstacle for all age groups, contributing to more than one million injuries each year. However, those 60 and older are six times more likely to be hospitalized for a related injury. Conditions like osteoporosis further increase the chances of experiencing a fracture or broken bone.

Looking specifically at homes in the Northeast, roughly 90 percent have stairs to move between floors, go down to the basement or reach the front door. To reduce your risks of falling on stairs, get started with the following tips.

Add Traction

Slipping contributes to a visible percentage of fall injuries related to stairs and often stems from a smooth surface, like wood or tiles. In this case, traction can add friction and grip.

Solutions include:

• Installing stair treads with a rubber or textured surface
• Laying down skid-resistant, anti-slip tape
• Having low-pile carpet or stair treads applied over wood

Homeowners can also do their part to maintain safe conditions. Even while in the house, wear footwear with a firm, textured rubber outsole rather than slippers, socks or bare feet.

Improve Lighting

Being unable to see your surroundings can increase risks for a fall, particularly as your vision and depth perception decline with age. As such, all indoor and outdoor staircases should be adequately lit so all levels are clearly identifiable. Consider motion sensors that automatically turn on the lights as you head up or down the stairs.

Anticipate Depth Perception Changes

In addition to lighting, changes to depth perception should be addressed. To help you sense where a set of stairs begins:

• Add reflective tape or paint to each step
• Have your steps painted in contrasting colors between the tread and riser
• Get uneven stairs widened or narrowed, so each step has a uniform height and size
• Have the stair riser adjusted for a shorter height, which can address depth perception, flexibility and trip concerns

Install Handrails

Unfortunately, many homes do not add handrails to interior or exterior stairs. Individuals with balance issues may end up grabbing the wall to avoid falling down.

For the elderly, all sets of stairs should have railings along both sides. Make sure it is easy to grip and stable, sits roughly 30 to 36 inches above the ground and can support your weight. Otherwise, if you lean on the railing for support, it may rip from the wall and lead to a fall.

Along with these considerations, make sure handrails are continuous to the last step. You may need handrails at different heights along each staircase to accommodate all occupants.

Reduce Trip Hazards

Avoid using the stairs as an informal shelf to hold boxes and other items. To further minimize trip hazards:

• Keep clutter in your home to a minimum, especially around stairs
• Never leave items on the stairs, even if you intend to take them upstairs later
• Never stack boxes, shoes or other loose items near a set of stairs
• Secure any carpeting added to your staircase

Consider a Stairlift

If you don’t have the flexibility or stamina to use stairs, you may want to invest in a stair or chairlift that can take you from one level to the next. Systems have a predefined or custom design based on your existing staircase and installation typically takes one day.

Stairlifts can be ideal for wider staircases, which offer room for both the track and a seat.

Limit Stair Usage

As you age, you may want to consider living primarily on the ground floor and limiting how often you use the stairs in your home.

Along with modifications like adding a first-floor bedroom and bathroom, consider putting a chair at the landing of your staircase to rest. In the meantime, continue working on your core strength, flexibility and balance through exercises targeting these factors.
 
Are you concerned about safety with the stairs in your own or an aging loved one’s home? Address your worries with the medical team at Avon Health Center. To learn more, contact us today.