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In a home, hardwood stairs create a warm aesthetic and add classic charm. While these staircases create an elegant, stately space, they can become a safety hazard for aging relatives.
Hardwood stairs can be dangerous for the elderly, especially those affected by vision, mobility, or balance issues. Seniors taking medication causing drowsiness, dizziness, or low blood pressure may be more susceptible to injuries, such as fractures, sprains, or more severe issues, like head trauma.
This article discusses the dangers of hardwood stairs when used by the elderly and how you can make them safer for your aging loved ones. Read on to learn more.
Should Elderly People Use Hardwood Stairs?
Stair climbing is touted as a positive form of exercise, even for aging adults. It strengthens leg muscles, improves heart function, and helps with balance, which is a significant benefit for seniors, as coordination may reduce the risk of falls.
Elderly people can use hardwood stairs as long as the stairs are in good condition and the person using them isn’t affected by poor vision, balance, or problems concerning drowsiness, low blood pressure, or other health conditions or medication side effects that may make them more susceptible to falls or other mobility issues.
That said, all seniors should discuss new potential exercise regimens with their doctor to determine if it’s an appropriate activity based on their physical health.
Stair Climbing Tips for the Elderly
Once cleared by a physician, seniors should climb stairs carefully to prevent injury. Whether they’re using stairs as a form of exercise or simply climbing stairs as part of everyday tasks, it’s essential to maintain safety. Here are a few stair-climbing tips for seniors.
- Move slowly and deliberately. Seniors should move carefully and be mindful of each step. Stair climbing works the powerful lower body muscles in the legs and glutes, so it’s important to breathe while moving to supply adequate oxygen to these muscle groups.
- Maintain proper posture. Avoid walking hunched over or with a misaligned spine. Keep the back as straight as possible to prevent back injuries, and keep the knees in alignment with the rest of the body to avoid knee or ankle sprains.
- Always use the rail. Whether ascending or descending the staircase, always maintain a firm grip around the rail. However, never use the handrail to hoist the body to the next step, as this could lead to arm or wrist injuries.
- Know your limits. When experiencing pain, discomfort, shortness of breath, or feelings of incoordination, stop immediately. Carefully lower the body into a sitting position on one of the steps. Relax for a few minutes until it’s safe to descend or request assistance from a loved one.
Seniors shouldn’t push themselves too hard. While it’s natural to want to maintain a sense of independence, it’s not safe to push the limits and end up injured.
Encourage your loved one to set manageable goals for taking the stairs, especially if they’re rebuilding strength after surgery or using stairs for exercise.
Making Hardwood Stairs Safer for Seniors
When you’re concerned for a loved one’s safety due to hardwood stairs, give yourself peace of mind by inspecting the stairs to determine if they’re safe.
What To Look Out for When Inspecting Hardwood Stairs
There are several factors that can make hardwood stairs more dangerous and increase the risk of falls among the elderly. We’ll discuss some of those aspects below.
Poorly Constructed Stairs
Stairs in a state of disrepair or poorly constructed stairs create a serious safety hazard, especially for aging adults. Unevenly spaced, unlevel steps or steps of shallow depths are dangerous regardless of age, but especially so for seniors or those with mobility issues. Stairs with these problems should be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid injury.
Cracked Steps or Cracked Floors on Landings
When the hardwood on the steps or landings is cracked or splintered, the uneven surface becomes a tripping hazard. Walking barefoot over cracked wood flooring could cause pieces of wood to lodge in the foot, causing pain or infection.
Repair cracked hardwood flooring on stairs as soon as a problem is noted. The process is fairly straightforward and doesn’t require much time or effort. For more information on repairing cracked hardwood floors, check out this YouTube tutorial:
Inadequate Support Railing
All staircases should have at least one support railing with the following features:
- Proper Support. The handrail should support the weight of your loved one when ascending or descending the staircase.
- Full Extension. Support railings should extend up and down the entire length of the staircase. There should be no gaps throughout the span of the rail.
- Adequate Security. Handrails should not wobble or shake when touched or gripped. It should be attached to the studs in the wall using screws.
Staircases that are weak, too short, have gaps, or wobble create a safety hazard and should be immediately repaired.
Improper Lighting
Poor lighting is regularly associated with fall risk among people of all ages, but for seniors, the dangers are more significant. In most homes, stairways aren’t as well-lit as other areas of the home, particularly when a staircase is enclosed in a hallway. It’s vital to ensure these areas are well-lit to provide another level of safety for your aging relative.
Methods for Improving Hardwood Stair Safety for Seniors
Once the stairs have been thoroughly looked over, you can utilize one or more methods in this section to make hardwood stairs safer for your aging relative.
Ensure Stairs are Up To Code
Research your local building codes to learn more about staircase requirements within homes. From there, measure the staircase to determine if it’s in compliance with the local residential building code.
Generally, steps shouldn’t exceed 7 ¾ inches (19.68 cm) in height, should be at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) in depth, and at least three feet (91.44 cm) wide. All widths, heights, and depths should be equal, and each step should be level. The stairs shouldn’t be too steep; the best angle for stairs is 37 degrees.
Install Safe Railings
Staircases should have at least one handrail, though it’s better to have two for seniors. This provides additional support.
The rail should be between 34 to 38 inches (86.36 to 96.52 cm) tall and at least 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) away from the wall (but no more than 4.5 inches or 11.43 cm). Handrails must run the full span of the staircase from top to bottom.
When purchasing handrails, ensure that it’s a round model. It shouldn’t be too thick, bulky, angular, or oddly shaped. The hand should grasp the rail firmly, and fingers should meet when gripping the handrail.
I recommend reading my other guide on installing temporary stair railings for the elderly. How to Install Temporary Stair Railings for the Elderly
Add Visual Cues
Depth perception changes as we age, which can play a role in how we see stairs, especially when they’re of the same color. The lack of contrast makes it challenging to see each step, which can cause a loss of footing.
Help aging loved ones distinguish between each step by creating contrast. Paint brighter colors at the edge of each step or add a piece of colored tape to make the steps easily visible.
Clear Clutter
Stairways are for walking up and down only. They aren’t storage spaces or areas for decorative items, like plants. Avoid placing items here to later carry up the stairs, as they can become a tripping hazard. Additionally, the landing at the top and bottom of the stairs should remain free and clear of clutter and rugs.
Consider a Stairlift
Sometimes, stairs become too difficult or painful to climb or descend. If that’s the case for your loved one, it may be time to look into alternative options.
Stairlifts are an excellent way to help your family member move up and down the stairs without the risk of falling. These motorized lifts allow seniors to access all levels of the home without the dangers that come with walking up and down stairs.
The best part about stairlifts, besides convenience and safety, is that installation often takes as little as one day. However, the staircase must meet certain eligibility requirements. For example, the staircase must be wide enough to fit the chair and still allow enough room for people to walk up and down the stairs.
Stairlifts can be pricey, ranging from $1,500 and up. Some companies have reimbursement programs in place. You can find more information through your local department of aging.
How To Make Hardwood Stairs Less Slippery for Seniors
Some people worry about hardwood stairs in their loved ones’ home because of the lack of friction. The poor traction on smooth surfaces can increase the risk of a fall. If slippery hardwood floors are an issue for your aging relative, rest assured that it’s an easy fix.
In its natural state, wood isn’t slippery; it’s hard and porous, so it typically absorbs whatever is applied to it. However, hardwood floors are sanded, smoothed, and that natural texture is removed. Finishes are added, which only enhance the smoothness. As such, this creates a potential fall hazard, especially for people with mobility issues.
Fortunately, there are multiple methods to remove and prevent slipperiness on hardwood stairs to make them safer for aging relatives.
1. Install Carpet on the Stairs
Some people add carpet runners to stairs to increase traction, but these may create even more problems. Carpet runners tend to slide and become bunched on the steps, which leads to a tripping hazard.
Instead, consider carpeting the stairs. Carpets should be low-pile and attached tightly to the stairs. They should lie completely flat to avoid tripping up your loved one.
Although carpet runners are less expensive than fully carpeting the staircase, they are more dangerous. It’s better to use bare stairs than to use a stair runner.
2. Add Stair Treads
If carpeting is too expensive or not an option for you, an alternative low-cost choice is to add stair treads. These are abrasive, adhesive strips that attach to each step. The top of the strip is like sandpaper to provide traction and prevent slipping.
Stair treads come in a variety of colors, so you can choose one to match your stairs or better fit your home decor.
The one downside of stair treads is that they tend to loosen and wear down over time. As such, you should check them once a month for peeling edges or heavy wear. Replace stair treads that show signs of damage to prevent any accidents.
3. Apply an Anti-Slip Floor Finish
There are multiple solutions on the market that remove wood wax and soap residue. Before settling on one product, read the label and instructions carefully. Some anti-slip solutions contain chemical solvents that may ruin the hardwood.
Unless you plan to sand and refinish the entire staircase, avoid these solutions. Instead, opt for a gentler finish that cleans any wax or soap build-up. It may reduce the shine of the steps, but it’ll improve the safety.
What Is the Safest Flooring for Stairs?
The safest flooring for stairs is low-pile, dense carpet. Fibers provide traction, can withstand regular wear, and provide a comfortable, soft feel. Carpeting should go from wall to wall and be tight against the stairs with no loose spaces. Loose or high-pile carpeting can create a tripping hazard.
Conclusion
Hardwood stairs pose some risks for the elderly, especially those suffering from vision, mobility, or balance issues. Aging adults taking medication with side effects may also experience trouble ascending or descending staircases. Seniors in good health should be able to safely climb stairs, as long as a doctor advises it.
There are things you can do to improve the safety of hardwood stairs for seniors. These include ensuring the stairs are up to code, adding lighting, installing safe railings, preventing slipperiness, adding visual cues, and removing clutter. Stairlifts are an option if taking the stairs is no longer possible.
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