A home is a place of happiness and comfort, except when it becomes scary and dangerous to navigate. Many homes have bedrooms and bathrooms located on the upper floors or an in-law suite was constructed on lower levels. Common in both instances is the barrier of stairs.
Sometimes a family member is still capable of stairs but can be unsteady. A double railing (a railing on both sides of the staircase) can make stairs safer for elderly loved ones, providing safety while descending and ascending since both sides are available for support.
Going up the stairs with both arms allows a person to improve their posture and breathing, resulting in a much easier and safer journey. Imagine your grasp with both hands on a single railing while ascending a staircase; we tend to hunch over compressing our chest resulting in lower oxygen levels. By adding a second rail, the user can ascend without hunching over.
What if personal energy levels make continued stairs an increasingly difficult option? Often medical conditions such as COPD, Congestive Heart Failure, neurological conditions, etc., make climbing stairs, even with railings, not an option.
A stair lift can be an affordable option, which allows them to stay in their home. Modern stair lifts install onto the steps and do not touch the walls. With no permanent changes to the stairway, they are a viable option for continued enjoyment of the entire home!