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    Stair Safety

    Stairs cause 1M+ ER visits/year for seniors.

    Essential upgrades

    • Handrails BOTH sides — required for safety, not optional.
    • Handrails extend past top + bottom step.
    • Bright lighting top + bottom (motion sensor).
    • Light switch BOTH ends of stairs.
    • Non-slip stair treads or carpet runner.
    • Contrasting tape on edge of each step (visibility).
    • No clutter — never store on stairs.

    Daily habits

    • Always use handrail — even when feeling steady.
    • One step at a time — both feet on each step if needed.
    • Wear shoes/slippers with grip — not socks.
    • Don't carry items that block view of feet.
    • Take laundry basket up empty + fill upstairs.
    • If dizzy or tired — wait. Sit down.

    Stair lifts ($2,500-10,000)

    • Acorn — most installed. Straight stairs from $2,500.
    • Bruno — premium. Curved stairs $7K-15K.
    • Stannah — UK brand, US dealers.
    • Used/refurbished stair lifts — half price, work fine.
    • Some Medicaid programs cover; Medicare does NOT.
    • VA may cover for veterans.

    Alternatives if stairs become unsafe

    • Move bedroom to first floor.
    • Add downstairs half-bath/full-bath.
    • Single-level living next move (ranch home, condo).
    • Elevator install ($25K-50K) — last resort.
    • Aging-in-place specialist — search via NAHB.

    Free home assessment

    Many local Area Agencies on Aging do free home safety assessments. Call Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116. Occupational therapists can do prescribed home assessment (Medicare may cover with doctor referral).