Blog

Dec 03, 2023

8 Ways to Make Your Stairs Safer for Older Adults

Some older homes have a bottom step that blends in with the landing rather than the rest of the staircase, creating a danger for those who mistakenly believe they are stepping onto a flat landing.

Some older homes have a bottom step that blends in with the landing rather than the rest of the staircase, creating a danger for those who mistakenly believe they are stepping onto a flat landing. This design defect is so common that experts have a name for it: the bottom-of-flight illusion.

Consider making changes to distinguish the bottom step from the landing, such as marking it with a rubber tread or anti-slip tape, or upgrading it so that it matches the rest of the steps.

The handrail is an often-overlooked safety component, Smith says, that studies consistently show can help with balance and prevent a fall on stairs.

Unfortunately, Smith notes, handrails in many homes are more decorative than functional. If they are large, bulky, rectangular or ornately shaped, they can be hard to grip. The safest rails are rounded, and “your hand should be able to completely encircle it when you grasp it.”

For extra safety, consider installing rails on both sides of stairs, Hartley suggests. This will help if you develop balance issues or if you ever feel more comfortable using the handrail on one side than the other (say, after knee surgery).

Rails should run the entire length of a staircase, be installed 30 to 36 inches from the floor and be securely attached to studs in the wall so they don’t rip out if you put a lot of weight on them.

It’s essential to keep stairways clear of objects to reduce the chance of tripping. It’s common to see throw rugs on stairway landings, but they can be a hazard and should be removed, Hartley cautions. “People leave stuff on the stairs as a resting spot for things to take upstairs. That’s OK to do, but make sure it doesn’t accumulate so much that it gets cluttered.”

If you find that your stairs are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate, you may want to consider installing a motorized lift, Larson says.

Prices vary from $2,000 to $10,000, with higher costs if you have a landing or a turn in your staircase. Sometimes you can get reimbursed for part of the expense through insurance, Larson says. He recommends calling your area’s agency on aging to ask for recommendations.

Installation can typically be completed in a day, but note that the stairway must be wide enough to accommodate the chair while allowing other people to use the stairs with the chair in place. If you sell the home, the lift can usually be removed without any major damage to the staircase. In most cases, all that is required is filling some screw holes on the steps. ​

MORE FROM AARP

Home Improvement Quiz

​Your Home Checklist for Aging in Place

​Start with small projects and anticipate future needs​​​

7 DIY Ideas for Your Forever Home

Home improvement stars reveal their favorite projects to help you age in place

​Michelle Crouch is a contributing writer who has covered health and personal finance for some of the nation’s top consumer publications. Her work has appeared in Reader’s Digest, Real Simple, Prevention, The Washington Post and The New York Times.

Gain access to celebrity interviews, smart advice, recipes, novels, Pilates, and AARP digital magazines. With content arriving every day, there is always something new and exciting to discover with AARP Members Only Access.

Not a member? Join here