Safety Handrails for the Elderly

A teenager might feel comfortable bounding up the stairs two at a time, but for a senior with declining mobility, that same flight of stairs could feel much more hazardous. As we age, everyday activities like climbing stairs and navigating sidewalks can become more difficult, especially for older individuals with chronic mobility issues like arthritis. Fortunately, safety handrails for the elderly can help.

Properly installed safety handrails play a crucial role in ensuring seniors’ well-being and independence at home and on the go. Read on to find out more about choosing proper safety handrails for the elderly in your residential or commercial space.

Choosing Safety Handrails for the Elderly

Handrails are an important safeguard for anyone with limited mobility, including seniors. For that reason, commercial and residential buildings are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which includes handrail requirements for accessibility. The ADA’s handrail requirements are clearly outlined and publicly accessible via the United States Access Board, with specific guidance for ramps, curbs, stairway slopes, commercial buildings, and residential spaces. Ultimately, the ADA should be your primary resource when choosing safety handrails for the elderly.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Handrails

In addition to ADA compliance, there are several factors to keep in mind when selecting safety handrails for seniors:

• Durability: Start by sourcing handrails made from durable materials like aluminum to ensure handrail longevity and reliable support for all patrons. Not only does aluminum actively resist rust and corrosion, but also aluminum handrails aren’t susceptible to problems like wood splintering that may impact other railing materials. Additionally, aluminum handrails are appropriate both indoors and outdoors, allowing for easy, one-step ordering and installation.
• Comfortable grip: For elderly adults with mobility concerns, a comfortable handrail grip is key. Handrail users should be able to hold onto handrails regardless of their grip strength or hand size. Be sure to look for handrails that prioritize ergonomics and an adequate width, both of which will ensure stability for elderly users.
• Installation location and continuity: Prior to installing your handrail, take a moment to evaluate strategic locations for ADA-compliant handrails. For example, staircases, bathrooms, and hallways are all areas that may pose a fall hazard for seniors. In these areas, continuous handrails offer support without hazardous gaps, allowing seniors to walk from one area to another without risking slips and falls.

Our Recommendation: Continuous Safety Handrails

If you’re looking for handrails that will provide support for the elderly, we recommend our Continuous Handrail (CHR). This customizable, ADA-compliant system offers a number of powder coating colors to complement the unique style of your space. The CHR system includes the following features, offering total peace of mind to seniors and anyone else who might benefit from a little extra support:

• Building code and ADA-compliant
• Easy-install handrail section includes rail and two wall returns with screws
• Additional connectors and wall mounts available for longer handrails
• The handrail diameter is 1-3/8″ for a comfortable grip

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By investing in safety handrails for the elderly, you can prioritize the dignity and autonomy of seniors who may use your space. Whether you’re selecting handrails for a retirement community or just a public space like a store or bank, safety handrails for the elderly help promote a safe, inclusive, and accessible space for all.

No matter what kind of handrail you might need, contact Aluminum Handrail Direct for assistance. We offer high-quality, maintenance-free aluminum handrails and accessories, and we would be happy to help you understand more about our options. With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, we’re a trusted authority on all types of handrails. We’ll even ship your handrails directly to you to simplify your building process. For more information, call us at 417-409-3179 or contact us online.