Stairs are simple enough to navigate when you are young and healthy, but they can be daunting for elderly family members and those with limited mobility. To make your home safer and more accessible to people of all ages and abilities, you can make some alterations in your stairway. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Schaumburg, a trusted local interior remodeling contractor, shares how to get started.
Install Railings
According to the National Council on Aging, one in four Americans over the age of 65 will fall this year. For seniors, slip-and-fall accidents can be devastating, often resulting in surgery and prolonged hospitalization. One way to mitigate this is by having railings added on both sides of the stairs. They should be mounted securely, with no wiggling, and should be easy to grip. The railings should also extend from the bottom step to the top, with no gaps in between. It’s important to have them installed in every stairway, even by the short steps leading up to your home.
Invest in a Lift System
This is the easiest way for elderly family members to get up and down the stairs in your home. A lift system eliminates the difficult task of climbing up and down the stairs, a task that is made even more complicated when your loved one is in a wheelchair. Being able to access all parts of the home with this small upgrade allows them to regain a little more of their independence.
Add Lights
Navigating a stairway is hard enough, but navigating a dark stairway is downright problematic. Make both indoor and outdoor stairways safer by keeping them well-lit. Add more overhead lighting if necessary. This way, shadows won’t cause problems for senior family members who may have trouble with depth perception.
Add a Resting Spot
If your stairways allow for it, add a small bench on the landing to serve as a resting spot for elderly family members. Navigating a multilevel home can be difficult for seniors or those with mobility issues. With this resting place, they can take a break on the way up or down the stairs.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
If you want to add more effective aging-in-place features, look no further than your dependable home renovation company, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Schaumburg. In addition to lift systems, we offer more upgrades through our Independence by Design service, which aims to create safer and more independent living spaces for every homeowner. We proudly serve Arlington Heights, Elk Grove and many other suburbs, so call us today at (847) 973-5097 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.
