Home Safety

Stair Safety

Stairs are one of the highest-risk areas in the home for older adults with mobility or balance challenges. Stair lifts, stair rails, stair climbing walkers, and step stools with handles each address different aspects of the stair access problem. Stair lifts are a significant investment ($3,000–$10,000+ installed) but often the modification that allows a person to remain in a multi-story home. We had our Bruno Elan stair lift installed in 2020 and it significantly changed what my mother could access in her home. Key variables: stairway width, stair configuration (straight vs curved), power backup, and whether the top and bottom landings are clear for the carriage. The guides here cover stair lifts by price and feature, along with lower-cost stair rail extensions and grip options for those who need supplemental support rather than a full lift.