(Photo: Hugh Cairns)

Leaving clutter and having no handrails on a staircase increases the likelihood that someone may trip and fall. When seniors fall, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting.

Falling isn’t fun. The older you get it becomes serious business. When a senior falls the results can be severe and long-lasting. Falls resulting in serious injuries can occur even with a single step. Broken bones, sprains and bruises are one thing, but the psychological effects, like the loss of a feeling of safety can be a hurdle to mobility and activity. Recovering from a fall can take ages and in some cases some people never fully recover.

In my book, every staircase should have at least one handrail to hold onto. Even if it’s just one stair. Handrails must meet certain standards for safety. The grip must be a certain size, the installation height a certain height and the balusters spaced properly. Where possible, install handrails on both sides of the stairs for their entire length.

People pull on handrails with the weight of their body when they use them. They should be checked periodically to ensure that they aren't loose. Handrail should extend the length of the stairs without a break.

Handrails aren’t much good if you can’t see them. There are cheap motion activated wall switches that will turn on the stairway lights for you. Night lights can help keep some light on stairs for those nighttime visits to the bathroom or kitchen.

Handrails provide support to individuals whether going up or down. They can also provide a barrier so you don’t fall out of the staircase and to the floor below.