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How to Make Stairs Safer for the Elderly

Yes – how to make stairs safer for the elderly? 

Right, let’s talk about stairs. Yes—stairs. Those lovely, creaky things we all take for granted when we’re 25 year’s old, but eventually turn into the enemy once our knees start creaking!

how to make stairs safer for the elderly

Now, if you’ve got an elderly parent, grandparent, neighbour, or maybe it’s you yourself (no shame in that—we all get there eventually), then you’ve probably noticed how stairs become… well… a bit of a hazard; a menace, even. And no one wants that. Nobody wants to be afraid of their own staircase.

So let’s have a chat about what you can actually do to make stairs safer for the elderly.

How To Make Stairs Safer For The Elderly: Handrails. 

making stairs safer for the elderly

Honestly, I cannot stress this enough. If you’ve only got a handrail on one side of the stairs, that’s just asking for trouble. It’s like trying to ride a bike with one handlebar—it’s doable, but you’ll probably crash.

You want a sturdy handrail on both sides, ideally. None of those wobbly, loose ones that creak and sway when you touch them like they’re trying to escape the wall. I mean proper, secure handrails. Ones that you can lean on without fearing for your life.

How To Make Stairs Safer For The Elderly: Lighting

If you’ve got dim, gloomy lighting on the stairs, you might as well put a blindfold on and hope for the best. Seriously. Elderly eyes aren’t what they used to be (and honestly, neither are mine after squinting at my phone for the past ten years), so good lighting is crucial.

Install a few bright LED bulbs, maybe even some motion-sensor lights if you’re feeling fancy. You don’t want anyone fumbling for the switch at the top of the stairs in the middle of the night while half-asleep and dreaming of a cuppa.

And while we’re on the subject: make sure there are light switches at both ends of the staircase. Top and bottom. None of this “walk up in the dark and hope for the best”!

How To Make Stairs Safer For The Elderly: Clear the clutter

You’d be surprised how many people leave things on the stairs. Books. Laundry baskets. That one slipper that’s been there since 1998. It’s like a booby trap waiting to happen.

The stairs are not a storage unit. Repeat after me: the stairs are not a storage unit.

If you want to make stairs safer for the elderly—or for anyone, really—start by keeping them completely clear. No rugs, no mats, no loose cables, no potted plants halfway up. Just good, clean, safe steps.

This one change alone could prevent more falls than you’d think.

Stair treads and non-slip surfaces

If your stairs are wooden or tiled, you’re just begging for someone to go sliding down them like a scene from a comedy sketch. And even if they’re carpeted, some older carpets can be surprisingly slippy.

Non-slip treads are a game changer. You can get those little strips or stair mats that give your feet a bit of grip. Just make sure they’re properly stuck down. Because again, we’re not trying to add a trip hazard. We’re trying to get rid of them.

Consider the Big One: A Stair Lift

Ah yes. The mighty stair lift.

Look, I know what some people think. “I’m not ready for a stair lift.” Or “That’s giving up.” But let me tell you—it’s not giving up. It’s levelling up. You’re turning your stairs into a personal lift. It’s actually a power move. Many of our customers say they wish they had got one sooner, too!

If stairs are becoming difficult, a stair lift is hands-down the safest and most stress-free option. No more puffing halfway up, no more worrying about missed steps, and no more turning stair climbing into an Olympic event.

And yes, they can be pricey—but there are grants, reconditioned options, and rentals available. It’s more doable than people think. And the relief? Oh, the relief is unmatched. No more heart-in-mouth moments when Mum’s on the top step balancing a laundry basket.

Talk to Them (and Keep Talking)

how to make stairs safer for elderly

One more thing—and this might be the most important. Talk to your elderly loved ones about the stairs. Don’t just go making changes around the house like a surprise makeover show. Ask them what they find tricky. Ask where they feel unsteady. Their insight is gold.

And remember, people don’t always want to admit when they’re struggling. So have the conversation gently, openly, and probably more than once.

So, What Have We Learned?

Let’s sum it up, shall we? Again. Because if you’ve made it this far through my ramblings, you deserve a recap.

  • Handrails (on both sides!).

  • Bright lighting—at the top, bottom, and everywhere in between.

  • No clutter on the stairs. Absolutely none.

  • Non-slip treads or carpeting that doesn’t turn into a ski slope.

  • Consider a stair lift. Seriously. It’s not cheating—it’s smart.

  • And talk to the person who actually uses the stairs.

Honestly, stairs don’t have to be scary. With a few adjustments—and yes, maybe a stair lift—you can turn that daily Everest climb into something safe, smooth, and totally manageable.

Need help choosing the right stair lift or just want to explore your options? Give UK Stairlifts a ring on 0800 046 3438, or pop over to our contact page here.

We’re always happy to chat—whether you’re ready to install a lift or just want to ramble on about handrails!

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