Stairlift Safety for Seniors

Updated August 7, 2025 | Lisbeth Cano

Table of Contents

Stairs can be one of the most dangerous parts of the home for older adults.

As balance, vision, and strength decline with age, navigating stairs becomes a challenge — and a serious fall risk. Stairlifts and other simple home upgrades can make all the difference.

Here’s what families need to know about keeping stairs — and stairlifts — safe for aging parents.

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among seniors, and stairs are a top source of those accidents.

“Over 1 million Americans are injured on stairs each year — about 3,000 injuries every day. Adults over 60 are six times more likely to be hospitalized after a stair-related fall than younger people.” — AARP1

How to Make Stairs Safer Before Installing a Stairlift

Even with a stairlift, improving stair safety helps prevent accidents.

🟢 Add Traction

  • Install anti-slip strips or stair treads
  • Avoid loose rugs or mats near stairs
  • Make sure any carpet is tightly secured

🟡 Improve Lighting

  • Use bright LED lighting
  • Add motion-sensor night lights
  • Ensure light switches are available at both the top and bottom

➤ See Lighting for Safety

🔵 Mark Step Edges Clearly

  • Use reflective or high-contrast tape
  • Avoid patterns that may hide step edges

🔧 Fix Step Irregularities

  • Steps should have consistent height and depth
  • Uneven steps should be corrected before adding a lift

🤝 Upgrade Handrails

  • Install rails on both sides of the staircase
  • Choose a rounded shape for better grip
  • Make sure rails are firmly anchored into the wall studs and placed at a comfortable height1

🚫 Remove Clutter

  • Keep shoes, bags, and other items off stairways
  • Avoid decorative objects that could become tripping hazards

Stairlift Safety: What Families Should Know

Stairlifts reduce stair-related risks — but only when installed and used correctly.

✅ Benefits of a Stairlift

  • Allows seniors to safely access all floors
  • Reduces the risk of stair-related falls
  • Provides confidence and independence

“You don’t want to risk having a fall and being unable to get help.” — Dr. Warren Wong

🔧 Installation Best Practices

  • Always hire a certified professional
  • Stairlifts mount to the stair treads — not the wall
  • Ensure there's enough clearance at both the top and bottom of the stairs

🛠️ Daily Use and Maintenance Tips

  • Use the safety belt every time
  • Keep the track free from debris or obstacles
  • Schedule routine inspections and servicing
  • Teach all users how to operate the stairlift safely

What Does a Stairlift Cost?

Stairlift prices vary based on features and staircase layout:

Type Estimated Cost
Straight $2,500–$5,000
Curved $8,000–$12,000+
Platform $10,000–$20,000+

➤ Learn more in Stairlift Costs

Will Medicare Help Pay?

Original Medicare usually does not cover stairlifts. They’re considered home modifications, not Durable Medical Equipment.

Other funding options include:

  • Medicaid HCBS waivers (varies by state)
  • Veterans Affairs grants
  • Medicare Advantage plans (some offer flexibility for home safety upgrades)
  • Nonprofit or local senior aid programs

➤ Read more in Stairlift Medicare Coverage

Other Home Safety Modifications to Consider

A stairlift is one part of a whole-home aging-in-place strategy.

🏠 Simple, Effective Upgrades

  • Add grab bars in the bathroom
  • Use non-slip flooring in kitchens and baths
  • Replace knobs with lever-style handles
  • Rearrange furniture to create wider walkways

🛠️ Full Home Safety Assessment

A full safety check should include:

  • Bright lighting in all rooms and hallways
  • Slip-resistant flooring
  • Ramp access at entrances
  • Clutter-free, wide pathways for walkers or wheelchairs

➤ Explore Home Safety Checklist

Where to Get Help

Families don’t have to figure it out alone.

Reach out to:

  • Local Area Agencies on Aging
  • Certified home safety consultants
  • AARP and other aging-in-place resources

These groups offer assessments, funding info, and expert advice on keeping your loved one safe.

Final Thoughts

Falls on the stairs can lead to life-altering injuries — but most are preventable with a mix of smart design, safer habits, and mobility tools like stairlifts.

Start with simple home fixes. Get a professional opinion. And choose a stairlift that fits your parent’s needs and your home’s layout.

With the right planning, your loved one can live safely and independently for years to come.

  1. https://www.aarp.org/home-living/ways-to-make-stairs-safer-at-home/ ↩ ↩

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Lisbeth Cano Clinical Researcher and Elder Advocate

Meet the author: Lisbeth Cano earned her medical degree from Universidad de Iberoamérica in Costa Rica and worked as a doctor before becoming a clinical researcher. She now focuses on senior care, writing evidence-based guides for SeniorCanvas.com to help families make safer, smarter decisions for aging parents.