5 Ways of Avoiding a Staircase Accident

Introduction

Getting up and down the stairs can become quite a challenge as we get older. Lots of us aren't quite as fit or steady on our feet as we used to be. Common medical conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and osteoporosis can make the staircase even more difficult for some older people, which can lead to a fall with potentially fatal consequences. Sadly, falls are the most common cause of injury-related deaths in people aged 75 and over. Today's article focuses on what you can do to try to prevent falls and accidents on the stairs in your home.

Take Your Time

Our first tip for staircase safety is to take your time. If you often struggle with balance or feel out of breath, you definitely shouldn't be rushing to get up the stairs, and the same is true if you have weaker bones or muscles due to a medical condition. Take a deep breath before you start walking up the staircase and always use the banister, keeping hold of it until you've reached the top or the bottom. If you only have a banister on one side of your staircase, consider installing one on the other side too. The same advice goes double for coming back down the stairs; in fact, you should take even more care going down, since if you lose your balance or trip, you're more likely to go tumbling.

Ask for Help

Another simple staircase safety tip is to ask for help up and down the stairs. If you live with a partner, family member, or friend, you can always ask them to give you a hand on the staircase, and people will be more than happy to help protect you. If your loved ones are visiting and you need something from upstairs, ask one of them to fetch it for you, saving you the task of doing so later on. We should always make the most of having loved ones around us, and you should never be afraid of asking for help. Your loved ones will want to make sure you are safe.

A Lift for Your Staircase

An alternative to walking up and down the staircase is a stairlift. This mechanical, motorised device allows you to take a comfortable seat as it carries you up and down the stairs. There are many different models available, with different designs suited to different shaped staircases. A stairlift will give you a much-needed rest as it carries you, and it will also remove the risk of staircase trips and falls, giving you and your family peace of mind. Although a stairlift is a big investment, there is financial help available, and you might be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant. We would advise doing thorough research before purchasing a stairlift, to make sure you're choosing the best option for your home and your needs.

Install a Downstairs Toilet

If the idea of a stairlift doesn't appeal, it could be worth installing a downstairs toilet instead. On average, we visit the bathroom around seven times a day, and older people naturally need to use the toilet more than younger people. If your only bathroom is upstairs, this adds up to lots of trips up and down the stairs. Having a toilet downstairs removes this need to use the staircase, which in turn decreases the chances of an accident, and it also means you don't have as far to travel to reach it, helping prevent falls by removing the need to rush. Installing a downstairs toilet may also increase the value of your home should you ever decide to move.

Consider a Bungalow

If you're really struggling with your staircase and the ideas we've discussed so far aren't an option, moving to a bungalow might be the best choice for you. A bungalow removes the obstacle of a staircase entirely, with every room on the same level. Lots of older people choose to downsize from a bigger house to a bungalow, as it just makes life much easier, keeping you close to whichever room you need next without having to navigate stairs. The one-floor layout generally allows for more spacious rooms and more space outside for a garden, and having everything on one level also makes a bungalow easier to clean, with no need to carry a hoover or other bulky equipment up and down stairs. A bungalow is also better for fire safety, since any window can be used as a fire escape.

Staying Safe at Home

The tips we've shared in this article are a great way to reduce your risk of staircase falls. However, accidents will still happen from time to time, so it's always best to be prepared. Our personal alarm service is a great way of ensuring that you can always get help if you have a fall. In the event of an accident, simply press the button on your device, which can be worn comfortably around the wrist or neck. Our 24-hour Response Team will respond immediately over the loudspeaker in the alarm base unit, assess your situation, and arrange help by calling your emergency contacts and, if needed, the emergency services. Here at Careline365, our aim is to help you feel safe and secure at home and on the go. For more information on purchasing one of our life-saving personal alarms, please speak to one of our friendly advisors on 0800 101 3333. Alternatively, get a personalised alarm plan online.