Upstairs Downstairs
Falling downstairs~a terrifying prospect…a recipe for life changing serious injury
Fortunately stair building has evolved from narrow, dark, wedge shaped, uneven risers seen in older buildings to more uniform designs under modern residential building codes. Many older style staircases still exist in city style older housing like in Boston.
Safety on Stairs
Unsafe versions of stairs continue to exist, especially in older urban housing where you can find a lack of lighting and a lack of railings with precipitous, unguarded side drop-offs. Over one million injuries occur each year as the result of stairway falls. Those are serious injuries.
Newer homes often have safer stairways with visual contrast between the flat treads and the vertical risers. Nosing treads that extend over the front edge of the riser creating a larger stepping surface for secure footing. Make sure that your foot is completely on the stair tread when stepping.
See the pictures below for examples of yellow visual contrast on stairs. Contrast can be accomplished with paint or specialty tape.
Most stairs have railings on one side at least. Often there’s room on the opposite side for an additional railing or handhold to be added. Add a second railing whenever possible, for aging in place.
A recent housing trend is to include elevators inside. Elevators meet the needs of the aging population as well as those with injuries, babies, groceries and other things to be carried.
In general stairs should be uncluttered, without anything stored on them. Good lighting is important. Two railings are ideal. Don’t forget that an additional hand hold may be required at the VERY top or bottom to negotiate that final step up/down. Some doorways need a small grab bar placed inside the door jamb for that one big important step, either up or down, into or out of a house. Never use a walker on stairs, instead have a walker available on each level of the home.
Aging in Place
For aging in place, home buyers often look for a first floor bedroom and bathroom to avoid the need for stair climbing.
Informed buyers look for a no step front entrance and a covered entrance as a weather shield. Lighting is always an important consideration at an entrance especially if there are steps and users with low vision. Motion activated lights are especially useful. There’s a day/night bulb that can be added to a light fixture to insure that the light is always on at night.
Fall Prevention
Whatever the design, climbing stairs is a common area addressed with physical therapy treatment. What’s the need for that?
The need is that people of all ages have falls, pain, weak leg muscles, poor balance and decreased eyesight. They may have a recent fracture with a cast, brace, crutches, walker or wheelchair and weight bearing restrictions.
Never take chances on stairs with a compromised elder.
Stairs are a prime location for serious home falls and life changing injuries.
Making a home stairway safe is an important aspect of aging in place, fall prevention and discharge planning.
Search for Stair Training ~ Physical Therapy to see a YouTube video about safety and stair climbing techniques.


