Making adjustments to your home for better accessibility is an empowering decision. When you face mobility issues related to age, injury or illness, it is important to consider how to create a safer environment to recover or age in place. It becomes a commitment to maintaining independence, safety and comfort in a familiar environment.
In certain seasons, aspects of our homes that were once easy to manage can become significant challenges. One major place is the stairs, both inside and outside the house. It’s helpful to understand why sturdy handrails are important for safety and how they can help you remain in your home longer.
The Challenge of Stairs
Stairs can be daunting for seniors or any individuals with mobility issues. Balance and strength may decline with age, making stair navigation risky. A simple misstep can lead to serious injuries, including fractures, sprains and even life-threatening falls. It can be stressful for caregivers to watch their loved one struggle with stairs, knowing that every ascent and descent is a risk.
Common Hindrances in Current Housing Situations
Many homes, especially older ones, were not designed with accessibility in mind. It is common for older homes to have narrow staircases without handrails. Even when handrails are present, sometimes they are only on one side, which isn’t sufficient. They may also be too low or lack proper stability or support. These hindrances can create daily anxiety and limit mobility within the home, leading to reduced quality of life and increased dependency on others.
Handrails on Stairs Help Keep You Safe
Handrails are more than just a support, they are accessible home solutions that may help you stay safely in your home longer. They provide a steadying influence, reducing the risk of falls by offering something stable to grasp. Continue reading to see how adding handrails can transform your living space into a safer environment.
Enhanced Stability
Handrails provide balance and support, especially crucial for those with weakened muscles, balance issues or disabilities. They help people maintain an upright posture and prevent wobbling on stairs.
Increased Confidence
Reliable support makes it easier to navigate stairs without fear. This confidence encourages more movement that promotes overall health and vitality.
Accident Prevention
Handrails act as a barrier against falls if you trip or lose your balance. They can quickly help you stabilize and prevent you from taking a tumble.
Accessibility for All
Proper handrails make stairs usable for everyone, including children, adults with disabilities and seniors. They are an important part of universal accessibility in your home.
A Safe and Affordable Solution
Retrofitting your home with sturdy, well-placed handrails is a cost-effective solution compared to major renovations or relocating to a new home. When you face issues with mobility, it is important to have a specialist perform a safety inspection of your home and identify possible dangers and their solutions. Your indoor and outdoor staircases will be a major focus.
Thankfully, there are many simple and affordable options to modify your current home to make it safer for you to stay and live well. Additionally, many insurance policies and state assistance programs can help offset the costs of modifying your home.
How Can Havenside Help?
Havenside’s team of experts consists of reliable home assessment specialists, occupational therapists, project managers and construction specialists who work together with each other and with you to create the best plan for your safety at home. We collaborate with you and your family to determine and implement the best solutions for your needs.
We want you to understand your options to make an informed decision, and we respect your choices. We stay with you from the initial assessment through the project implementation and follow up for your satisfaction. Ultimately, we want to ensure your comfort and safety and to help you fulfill your desire to remain independent at home.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.