The main risks of coming down the stairs
It is easy to assume that the biggest challenge for someone needing a stairlift is climbing up the stairs in their home, but for many people, descending the stairs is significantly more dangerous than going up.
For people with limited mobility, coming down the stairs isn’t just a routine part of the day; it is a potential hazard that can have serious consequences. A simple misstep can result in physical injuries, take a toll on a person’s independence, and peace of mind.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the main risks of coming down the stairs, the common injuries that occur, and offer practical solutions to make stair use safer at home.
Why coming downstairs can be more dangerous than going up
Going down the stairs in your home might seem easier than climbing up them, but in reality, the risks of falls and injuries occurring increase when going downstairs.
Walking down a staircase increases the pressure on joints, relying on balance and coordination, which can be very difficult for people with limited mobility and may increase the likelihood of accidents.
Another common cause of people tripping and falling when coming down the stairs is misjudging the leading edge of a step. This misjudgement can result in a foot landing incorrectly or slipping entirely.
Understanding these challenges is the first step in creating a safer home environment.
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What are the common injuries from falling down the stairs
A fall on the stairs can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises and sprains to fractures and broken bones.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says: “In 2022/23, there were around 210,000 emergency hospital admissions in England related to falls for people aged 65 and over. Around 146,700 of these admissions were people aged 80 and over.”
Some of the most common injuries that people can suffer when falling down the stairs include:
- Sprains and strains
- Bruises
- Fractures and broken bones
- Head injuries, such as a mild concussion
- Dislocations
- Cuts
- Psychological effects such as fear of falling again and lack of confidence
Tips to reduce the risk of falling down the stairs
There are several options to consider that can help reduce the risk of falling down the stairs.
A long-term, safe and reliable way to travel up and down the stairs is to install a stairlift. This is ideal for individuals with limited mobility, providing access to all levels of the home without the risk of falling. If you have a staircase with bends and corners on it, you will need to install a curved stairlift, while straight staircases will need straight stairlifts.
You can install sturdy grab rails or handrails on both sides of the staircase that can help with balance and confidence, improving the lighting on and around the stairs, adding anti-slip treads or grip-enhancing materials, removing clutter and trip hazards, and wearing slip-resistant shoes with grip soles are other alternatives that can help reduce the risk of falling down the stairs.
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What to do if you or a loved one falls
Falling down the stairs can be a frightening experience, and it can cause serious injury. Knowing what to do in the moments after you or a loved one has fallen is critical.
The following is a list of steps to follow if a fall happens:
- Stay calm and assess the situation: If you have fallen, you stay still and work out if you can feel any pain before you try to move. If you are helping someone else, you should encourage them not to get up too quickly before you have assessed the situation.
- Check for visible injuries: Check for bruising, swelling, bleeding, or disorientation. If you believe there is a head, neck or back injury, it is best not to move the person.
- Call for help: If somebody has fallen and is unconscious or is in a lot of pain, you need to seek medical attention. If you can call the emergency number 999 for a serious injury, or 111 for medical advice.
- Assist with getting up safely (only if uninjured): If there are no obvious signs of injuries and the person who has fallen feels ok, you should help them slowly get into a seated position.
- See a doctor or medical professional: Even if the injuries from a fall are minor, it is recommended that a medical professional checks over the person who has fallen.
- Remove potential trip hazards: Following a fall, you should assess the staircase and remove any potential hazards such as mats, worn carpets or clutter.
Frequently Asked Questions about falling down the stairs
Why is coming down the stairs more dangerous than going up?
Coming down the stairs is generally considered more hazardous than going up because it places greater stress on joints, and the consequences of a fall are typically more severe.
What are the most common injuries from falling down the stairs?
Bruises, cuts, sprains, strains, fractures and broken bones are the most common injuries for people who have fallen down the stairs.
When should I consider installing a stairlift?
If you or someone you know is finding it more difficult or painful to walk up or down stairs, consider installing a stairlift.
How to recover from a fall down the stairs?
If you or someone you know has fallen down the stairs, you should first assess the injuries and then call for help from a medical professional. Minor injuries may just require rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) as this can help reduce swelling and pain. More serious injuries will require medical attention.
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Risks of coming down the stairs
As this guide highlights, there are numerous risks associated with descending stairs, especially for individuals with limited mobility. There are, however, many preventative measures that can be considered to reduce the risk of falls, such as installing a stairlift, grab rails or improving the lighting.
If you would like to learn more about stairlifts, please contact us. One of our trained advisors will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have about our latest models.
