Tips for Preventing Falls on the Stairs

In and around the home, there are many areas that can present a danger to a senior or someone who is mobility challenged. Among these areas, the staircase has consistently been the most dangerous areas. There are several options available to someone who has difficulty using the stairs, but first it is necessary to understand why the stairs are so dangerous and what causes falls on the stairs.

One of the major reasons that the stairs are ranked as the most dangerous area of the home is because a fall on the stairs is very likely to result in a serious injury. This is because even a fall on the first step can involve some very hard surfaces, but when you move up a few steps or to the top of the stairs, you must not only deal with hard surfaces, but will also be fighting gravity.

Many accidents on the stairs are a result of the state of the staircase itself. For instance, some older staircases will have uneven distances between steps. This can mean that between two steps a person might have to lift their feet different heights for each step, which can be very disorienting. Other factors, like loose boards, loose handrails or handrails that are improperly installed, and slippery surfaces can also increase the risk of a fall.

Some staircases have runners installed onto them as well, which are usually made of carpet and run the distance of the staircase. A properly installed runner of non-slip material can actually prevent falls or reduce their likelihood of occurring, however, an improperly installed runner or one that is made of long shaggy carpet can actually increase the chance of a fall. It is not only carpet on the stairs that can increase the chance that a fall might occur, but also loose carpets at the top or bottom of the stairs can increase falls if they move around or if the corner gets turned up.

While environmental factors, such as the state of the staircase can increase the risk of a fall, often the capability of the person using the stairs often plays a part in increasing the risk of a fall or works in conjunction with the environmental factors. For instance, poor eye site, balance, or coordination can further the chance that a fall will occur. Many times medical conditions, like arthritis or Alzheimer’s, also increase the risk of a fall, with arthritis making it painful to use the stairs.

To help prevent falls on the stairs, it is important to first take inventory of the actual state of the staircase and fix any problems that might be present. This involves things like making sure an adequate handrail is present and removing loose or slippery carpet. It is also important to evaluate the capacity of the person using the stairs. If it is not possible for the person to safely use the stairs, it might be a good idea to install a stair lift, which is a medical lifting aid that carries a person up a staircase.

The stairs are one of the most dangerous areas of the home, so special care should be taken to ensure this area is safe and easy to use.