As you get older, you may find that you find it harder to carry out more physical tasks than in the past – and the stairs at home represent a serious health risk if you are not as physically capable as you were when you were younger.
Slips, trips and falls anywhere can be dangerous but especially so on the staircase, with a potentially long way to fall and lots of bumps that can happen on the way down.
However, there is a lot you can do to help mitigate the risks posed by your staircase and make it far safer for you to use, ensuring that you can stay in your home for as long as possible and continue living independently for as long as you want to.
First of all, you could consider installing a handrail on one or both sides to help you steady yourself on the stairs as you climb and give you the confidence you need that you’ll get to the top or bottom.
It’s also important that you’re able to see what you’re doing properly so make sure the stairwell is properly lit so you can see where you’re treading and where the individual steps are
The surface of your staircase can also make them more dangerous and anything non-carpeted can pose a risk. It might be a good idea to consider installing carpeting as this can reduce the chances of slippage, but make sure that your carpet is in good condition without any holes, rips or tears which could also represent a trip hazard.
Another option would be to consider stairlift installation, which can prove very beneficial for anyone who gets tired climbing the stairs or who is unable to do so physically. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with us today.
