Safer Stairs - Handrails

Safer Stairs - Handrails

The Person
•	Needs adequate strength
•	Needs balance skills
Handrails
•	Install on all stairs, 32 - 36" from floor to top of rail
•	Install on both sides so person can:
	• use either arm
	• use both handrails on narrow staircase
•	Color-contrast rails & wall
•	Extend past last step
TIP

TIP

Try climbing your care receiver's stairs using the handrail. If it's wobbly, that's a telltale sign it isn't installed properly and could easily pull out. Hire a handyman to securely anchor the handrails into the wall studs.

You can find the studs using a stud finder, available at most home improvement stores for around $15.00. Most studs are 16 inches apart, so once one is found, you can measure horizontally to locate the next one.

Send This Page To A Friend:
Safer Stairs - Handrails

* Required Fields

Your Name*

Your Email*

Friend's Email*
(Separate multiple addresses with commas)

Add a Note

(Maximum length: 500 characters)

Send me a copy

Narration:

Adding or repairing handrails is one of the most important home improvements you can make if the person is still using stairs, and has adequate strength and balance skills. The right handrails can make all the difference in his/her ability to use the stairs.

Handrails should be installed on both sides of all staircases, whether for 1 step or 15. This allows the person to hold on with the stronger arm if he or she has a one-sided weakness due to a stroke. Or the person can hold on to both sides and use their upper body strength while climbing up or down. This is especially helpful if he or she has weak leg muscles or arthritic knees or hip joints.

Make sure the handrail is color-contrasted to the wall so it is easily seen.

If possible, extend the wooden handrail past the bottom step and/or add a curved metal bar if needed, so that the person has a support to hold onto when stepping up or down.