How do I modify stairs for an elderly person?
To modify stairs for safety, first, check the handrail. Make sure it can bear the entire body weight of an older person falling. And it’s best if there are handrails on both sides of the stairs. The material of which the stairs’ treads are made should be non-slip, and there should be no loose or slippery carpet that can contribute to falls. Removing rugs is not a bad idea either.
Next, make sure the steps are even. Uneven steps can cause someone descending or ascending a staircase to expect footing which isn’t there, so have a professional carpenter re-measure and re-make a new set of stairs.
There are also escalator devices that can be installed, but they are a bit expensive. You can also add a non-skid strip at the edge of each step to reduce the chance of slipping. Motion sensor lights would always be a good thing for the top and bottom of the stairs.
Modern LED lights can be hung with easy to remove adhesive wall anchors in stairwells for extra safety.