Where Should You Install Safety Handrails in Your Home?

Safety handrails are an essential safety feature in many homes. They provide support and stability for individuals with limited mobility and poor balance, and they can be beneficial for people of all ages.

Whether you struggle with mobility, have children, or have an elderly relative at home, you should consider installing handrails on your property. Doing so will enhance the safety of you and your family members by reducing the risk of falls and injuries. It also makes your home more accessible for older adults.

The question is, where should you install safety handrails in your home? Keep reading to learn the answer to this question and determine the best places to install handrails for maximum safety.

Bathrooms

The bathroom floors can be slippery when it gets wet, such as after a shower or bath. As a result, they are high-risk areas for accidents and injuries.

Many people get handrails for bathrooms to make getting into and out of the bathroom or shower cubicle easier. If you or your relative struggles to mobilise around this moisture-prone room, installing handrails along the sides of the walls and inside the shower or bathtub is a great idea.

Stairways

Staircases are one of the most critical areas for handrails. Falling on a set of stairs carries an increased risk of trips and falls, and falling from the top of a stairway can cause serious injuries or even fatalities.

Stairways can be particularly difficult for elderly adults to navigate due to decreased hip, knee, and ankle mobility. Installing handrails on either one side or both sides will significantly improve everybody’s safety by providing extra grip for balance and support. Make sure the handrails are securely mounted at the right height for optimal grip and comfort.

Bedrooms

While the bedroom might not be your first thought when considering where to install safety rails, it’s an area of the home that you probably use every single day. If you struggle to stay balanced and stable when navigating your home, a bedroom handrail could be the perfect way to make your life easier.

Install a handrail by your bed to make transferring from lying to standing (and vice versa) easier. Handrails will also reduce your risk of falling at night if you need to get out of bed.

Hallways and Corridors

If you have long hallways and corridors in your home, you might worry about falling over when there is no additional support. Installing handrails down the sides of your hallways and corridors will provide you with some extra stability to reduce your risk of injuries.

Handrails in hallways can be particularly helpful if you struggle with poor mobility or you’re currently rehabilitating after an injury or surgery.

Entryways and Exits

Entranceways and exits can pose a safety hazard, as they are often accompanied by steps or uneven surfaces that are difficult to navigate if you have mobility impairments. Handrails will make maintaining your balance much easier as you enter and exit your home, especially in wet and icy weather conditions.