Guide · US edition · Updated 2026-10-29

Stair Safety for Seniors: A Practical Checklist

Stairs are a common place for serious falls. Most stair safety improvements are simple.

Handrails

☐ Handrails on both sides of every staircase, inside and outside
☐ Running the full length of the stairs
☐ Firmly attached; test them by pulling
☐ Easy to grip (round, not too wide)

Lighting

☐ Light switches at the top and bottom
☐ Bright, even light on every step; no shadows
☐ Night lights or motion-sensor lights on stairs used at night

Steps

☐ Steps even, in good repair
☐ Carpet firmly attached; no loose or worn spots
☐ Non-slip treads on bare wood steps
☐ Contrasting tape on step edges if they're hard to see
☐ Nothing stored on the stairs, ever

Habits

☐ One hand on the rail at all times
☐ Don't carry anything that blocks the view of the steps
☐ Use smaller laundry bags, or keep a basket on each floor
☐ Take your time, especially when tired or after taking medicine
☐ Wear shoes with non-slip soles, not socks

When stairs get hard

☐ Consider moving the bedroom and a bathroom to the main floor
☐ Get quotes for a stair lift, if that's an option
☐ Ask a physical therapist about strength and balance training

Outside steps

☐ Railings on both sides
☐ A plan for ice and snow
☐ A small ramp, if needed

See the full aging in place checklist, and look into help paying for changes.

General information, not a professional assessment. Use a qualified installer for railings and lifts.

The Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist has a stairs page and a modification plan with costs and priorities.

Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist preview

Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist — $12

17-page room-by-room home safety and fall-prevention workbook with a fall-risk check, modification plan, ways to pay and a fridge emergency sheet. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.

Get the Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist Family Paperwork Bundle — $34