Stair Handrails Cape Cod
Stair Handrails serve two important functions in preventing falls and injuries within the home. First, the railing itself acts as a type of side barrier preventing a person from falling off the side of a stairway. Further, stair handrails provide support and stability when walking up or down the steps themselves.
As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, we're sharing everything you need to know about installing stair handrails within your home, including the different types and where they are best installed to prevent falls and improve safety.
The Importance of Stair Handrails
The most important function of stair handrails is to prevent falls. Handrails are often installed along one or both sides of a stairway, but they can also be installed on the sides of ramps, ramped aisles, and stepped aisles.
Most stairs within the average home have one side that is open and another that is built into a wall. Often a railing is installed on the exposed or open side, acting as a barrier so a person can't fall off the edge. On the interior wall, a set of handrails can also be installed to provide further stability and support, allowing something for a person to grab onto as they ascend or descend the steps.
The ability to grip onto handrails can greatly reduce fall risk and becomes especially crucial when a person may have restricted use of one side of their body, such as when recovering from a stroke or a person with parkensons.
Whether it's stairs or ramps, handrails provide peace of mind and added safety and security for anyone with mobility, weakness, or balance issues.
Stair Handrail Types
Handrails come in a variety of materials to choose from with wood, wrought iron, aluminum, and stainless steel. Our powder coated matainence free interior and exterior hand railings are the most popular choice within residential spaces.
Often the choice of stair handrails will be based on factors such as the existing stairway or ramp, decorative or architectural details, and whether there are mobility issues. We offer many railing color choices to suite your taste.
Aging in Place Cape Cod installs all types of stair handrails for Cape Cod residents, including interior and exterior handrails, safety railings, and ADA handrails.
Where to Install Stair Handrails for Improved Safety
Handrails are most commonly installed at the sides of interior steps within the home, but they can be installed anywhere that added safety and stability are needed.
Some examples of where stair handrails and safety railings are most effective in preventing falls include:
Existing Stairs (Both Interior and Exterior)
Ramps
Ramped Aisles
Stepped Aisles
Garage Steps
Basement Steps
Deck or Patio Steps
Bulkheads
Wheelchair Ramps