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Stairs can become one of the riskiest parts of a home as balance, strength or eyesight changes. The good news is that there are many ways to make them safer, from simple fixes you can do this weekend to equipment like stair lifts.
Why stair safety matters
The CDC reports that falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older, and stairs are a common place for falls at home. The National Institute on Aging recommends simple changes like good lighting and secure handrails to reduce fall risk. Many of the most helpful fixes are low-cost and quick.
The basics every staircase needs
- Handrails on both sides. Rails should run the full length of the stairs and be firmly anchored into wall studs, not just drywall. Two rails let a person hold on with their stronger hand going up and coming down.
- Good lighting. Light the whole staircase evenly, with switches at both the top and bottom so no one climbs in the dark. Motion-sensor or plug-in night lights help on nighttime trips.
- Contrasting step edges. Bright, high-contrast tape on the front edge of each step makes it easier to see where one step ends, which helps people with low vision.
- No clutter. Never store shoes, laundry baskets or boxes on the stairs, even for a moment.
- Non-slip treads. Secure treads on bare wood or tile steps add grip. Fix or remove loose carpet right away.
Equipment that can help
A second handrail
If your stairs have only one rail, adding a second is one of the most useful upgrades. A handyman or contractor can install it. Rails should be easy to grip all the way around and should extend past the top and bottom steps.
Stair-assist canes and handles
Some canes have a second, lower handle so a person can push up on each step. There are also portable stair-assist handles that sit on the step above and give a sturdy surface to push against. These can help people who are a bit unsteady but can still climb. Ask a physical therapist before using a new device on stairs.
Shop stair grab handles on Amazon
Stair lifts
A stair lift is a motorized chair that runs along a rail attached to the stairs. The person sits, buckles in and rides up or down. Key things to know:
- Straight vs. curved rail. A straight-rail lift fits a single straight flight. Stairs with turns, landings or curves need a curved rail, which is custom-built for your staircase and costs much more.
- Swivel seat. A seat that turns at the top lets the person get off facing the landing instead of the stairs.
- Battery power. Many lifts run on batteries that recharge on the rail, so they keep working during a short power outage.
- Safety sensors. Sensors stop the lift if something is in the way. Look for a seat belt and controls that are easy to use.
- Professional installation. Stair lifts are usually bought through dealers who measure the stairs and install the lift. They are not typically something you order online and set up yourself.
- Rental and refurbished options. Some dealers rent lifts or sell refurbished straight-rail models, which can make sense for a short recovery or tight budget. Ask about warranties and service.
Vertical platform lifts
A vertical platform lift raises a person, and often their wheelchair, straight up a short distance, such as from a garage or porch into the house. These are a good option for someone who uses a wheelchair full time and can't transfer to a stair-lift seat. See our transport chair vs. wheelchair guide for more on chairs.
Home elevators
Residential elevators carry people between floors and can fit a wheelchair. They are a major construction project that needs space, permits and professional design. They make the most sense for long-term plans or new building work.
Moving the bedroom downstairs
Sometimes the simplest answer is to avoid the stairs. Turning a den or dining room into a bedroom on the main floor, close to a bathroom, can remove daily stair trips entirely. A hospital or adjustable bed, bed assist handles and a bedside commode can complete the setup.
Comparing your options
| Option | Effort to set up | Who it suits | Works with wheelchair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second handrail, lighting, treads | Low | Almost everyone who uses stairs | No |
| Stair-assist cane or handle | Low | People who can climb but need a push | No |
| Straight stair lift | Moderate (dealer install) | Can sit and transfer, single straight flight | No |
| Curved stair lift | Higher (custom rail) | Same, but stairs with turns or landings | No |
| Vertical platform lift | Higher | Wheelchair users, short rises | Yes |
| Home elevator | Major project | Long-term multi-floor living | Usually |
| Bedroom on main floor | Low to moderate | Anyone who can avoid stairs daily | Yes |
Get a home safety assessment
An occupational therapist (OT) can visit the home, watch how the person uses the stairs and recommend the right changes. Ask the doctor for a referral. An OT can also suggest bathroom and bedroom changes; see our bathroom safety checklist. For people who live alone, a medical alert system adds a way to call for help after a fall.
Paying for stair safety
According to Medicare, Original Medicare does not cover stair lifts, because they are considered home modifications rather than durable medical equipment. Handrails and lighting are not covered either. Other places to look:
- Medicaid waivers: Some state home and community-based services programs help pay for home modifications.
- VA programs: Veterans may qualify for home modification grants or benefits. Contact the VA to ask.
- Local aging agencies: Your Area Agency on Aging may know about local repair programs, grants or volunteer groups that install rails.
- Medicare Advantage: Some plans offer extra benefits for home safety items. Check your plan.
Learn more in Does Medicare Cover Home Medical Equipment?
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare pay for a stair lift?
No. Original Medicare treats stair lifts as home modifications, not medical equipment. Some Medicaid waivers, VA programs or local aging agencies may help.
Can I buy a stair lift online and install it myself?
Stair lifts are usually sold through dealers who measure the stairs and install the lift professionally. Proper installation matters for safety, so professional setup is the safer choice.
What if my stairs have a landing or a turn?
You will need a curved-rail stair lift, which is custom-made for your stairs and costs much more than a straight one. Moving the bedroom to the main floor may be worth comparing.
What's the cheapest way to make stairs safer?
Clear the clutter, add bright lighting with switches at both ends, put contrasting tape on step edges and make sure there are secure handrails on both sides.