How to Make Stairs Safer for Elderly Loved Ones at Home

Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults, and many of those accidents happen on stairs. If you’re helping a senior parent or family member age in place, you’ve likely worried about how safe the stairs are in their home.

In many homes, especially older ones, stair safety should never be an afterthought. Whether your loved one lives independently or receives some form of home care, there are practical ways to reduce the risk of falls and make stairwells much safer.

Below, we’ll walk through proven strategies for making the stairs safer for older people without compromising the home’s comfort or décor.

Key Takeaways

• A stair lift offers a safe way for seniors to avoid falls while staying independent in their own home.
• Dual handrails, non-slip stair treads, and grab bars reduce fall risks and provide better support during stair use.
• Bright lighting, contrasting step edges, and carpet runners help older adults see clearly and walk safely on stairs.
• Remodeling steps, adjusting light switch placement, and calling California Mobility ensure safer stair use for elderly loved ones.

Install a Stair Lift for Reliable, Everyday Support

A stair lift is one of the most effective home modifications you can make for someone with limited mobility.

Especially for seniors who struggle with balance or tire easily while stair climbing. It offers a safe and dignified alternative to navigating steps.

At California Mobility, we install custom stair lifts for both indoor and outdoor staircases, tailored to the specific layout of your home.

This kind of solution prevents the risk of falling down stairs while promoting independence.

Add Dual Handrails on Both Sides of the Staircase

Many California homes were built with only one handrail, or none at all.

Installing secure handrails on both sides of the stairs provides extra stability and support for older adults. Make sure the handrails are rounded, sturdy, and at a height that’s easy to grasp.

Bonus tip: To make stairs safer for seniors, choose handrails in a contrasting color from the wall for better visibility and depth perception, especially helpful for those with declining eyesight.

Apply Non-Slip Treads and High-Visibility Nosing

Non-slip stair treads can make a world of difference. They reduce the chance of slipping on slick wood or tile steps.

In coastal areas or homes where moisture is common, this is especially important. You can find adhesive non-slip treads that blend well with your home décor.

Add nosing, those rubber or metal edges on each stair step, in a contrasting color to help define the edge of each step clearly. This helps seniors with depth perception issues recognize individual steps.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the right stair safety solution:

Improve Stair Lighting With Motion-Sensor and Overhead Lights

Dimly lit stairs are a trip hazard.

Consider upgrading to bright, energy-efficient overhead lighting.

Even better, install motion-sensor lights at the top and bottom of the stairs. These are perfect for nighttime visibility and peace of mind.

In Northern California homes, where foggy mornings and early sunsets can dim natural light, good artificial lighting is key to stair safety.

Eliminate Loose Rugs and Add Carpet Runners

A loose rug on or near a staircase is a major trip hazard. If your loved one has rugs near the stairwell, remove them or secure them with anti-slip pads.

For wooden stairs, consider adding a secured carpet runner. It adds traction and reduces slipping, without changing the function of the stairs.

Install Grab Bars Near Stair Landings and Resting Spots

While grab bars are more common for bathroom safety, they can be a smart addition to stairwells, particularly near landings or transitions where your loved one might need to pause and rest.

Installing a grab bar at the bottom of the stairs or along a mid-landing gives that extra bit of support when it matters most.

Just make sure they’re installed into studs or with proper anchors for safety.

Adjust Stair Risers and Tread Depth if Remodeling

If you’re doing a remodel or building an addition to a family member’s home, consider adjusting stair risers and treads to meet senior-friendly specifications. Uniform step height and generous tread depth can reduce the effort it takes to walk up or down stairs.

Irregular steps are a hidden danger, especially for older people whose mobility or balance may be compromised.

Use Contrasting Colors to Highlight Each Step

Depth perception can change with age, making it difficult to see where one step ends and the next begins. Using contrasting colors at the edge of each step, whether with paint, tape, or a tread strip, can make each step clearer and more defined.

This simple visual cue can reduce missteps that lead to falls.

Move or Rewire Light Switches to Accessible Locations

In many older homes across California, stairwell light switches are inconveniently placed.

If your loved one has to walk into a dark hallway or feel around a wall to turn on the lights, it’s worth hiring an electrician to relocate those switches to more accessible spots, preferably at the top and bottom of the staircase.

Ready to Make Your Loved One’s Stairs Safer?

If you’re in California and are serious about making the stairs in your loved one’s home safer, California Mobility is here to help. We specialize in mobility aids like stair lifts and home modifications designed to improve the quality of life for senior citizens.

Whether your goal is to reduce fall risks, support aging in place, or just gain peace of mind, our experienced team is ready to provide personalized solutions.

Don’t wait for an emergency room visit to make a change.

Contact us today for a free consultation and referral support. Let’s make your family member’s stairs and home safer and more accessible, together.