Cold weather changes how we move. Extra layers make us less nimble, darker afternoons reduce visibility and the chill tightens joints that already ache. Add damp shoes at the door and you have the perfect recipe for a slip on the stairs. Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults, often resulting in serious fractures such as broken hips. The staircase is where many risks meet, which is why a clear plan for winter makes such a difference.
There is rarely a single cause for a fall. Muscle strength can dip with age, eyesight is not always what it was, and some medicines affect balance. Around the home, poor lighting, cluttered steps or a loose handrail add to the problem. The most effective approach is layered. Improve the environment, make sensible tweaks to routines and put the right mobility support in place so stairs stop being a daily gamble.
Start with quick wins you can do today. Swap tired bulbs for warm, bright LEDs on the stairs and landing. Check you can reach the light switch before you set foot on the first tread. Keep the staircase clear, including the top and bottom landings where clutter gathers. Make sure the handrail is solid and runs the full length. If you use a walking stick, keep one upstairs and one downstairs so you are not tempted to carry it while climbing. Small habits reduce risk straightaway.
Installation is simpler than most people expect. Straight stairlifts use a slim rail fixed to the stair treads, not the wall, so there is minimal disruption and no redecorating. Curved staircases are measured for a made-to-fit rail that follows every turn for a tidy finish. During a free home assessment, our Derby team listens to how you use your home and recommends features that make life easier. A powered swivel brings the seat to face the landing so you can stand without twisting. If a doorway sits at the foot of the stairs, a hinged rail lifts out of the way when parked. Controls are light to the touch, soft-start motors prevent jolts and battery backup keeps you moving during brief power cuts.
Worried about cost or commitment? Renting a stairlift for the winter months is a practical option if your mobility dips when it is cold, or if you are recovering from surgery. Installation is quick, servicing is included and you can extend or remove the lift when circumstances change. For families welcoming an older relative over Christmas, rental offers peace of mind without a long-term decision.
A stairlift is only part of the picture, but it is the part that removes the biggest risk at home. Pair it with simple routines and you have a strong prevention plan. Keep a small basket upstairs and one downstairs to shuttle items safely rather than carrying armfuls. Use the stairlift for night-time bathroom trips when balance is not at its best. Park the seat in the same place after use so everyone knows where it will be. Little habits add up to calm, predictable movement between floors.
If you already own a stairlift, book a pre-winter service. We check batteries, charging points, safety sensors, seat and swivel mechanisms and the smoothness of travel. Winter exposes weaknesses, and a quick service keeps journeys safe and quiet on the darkest days.
Prefer to try before you decide? Visit our Derby showroom. You can test different seat styles, see how compact the units are when folded and get a feel for the controls. If you are helping a loved one, bring them along. We will talk through layout, budget and timescales, including rapid installation if you need support in place quickly. If you would rather start at home, our assessor will measure your staircase and leave you with a clear, written quote in plain English.
Winter will always bring darker days and colder mornings. It does not have to bring fear of the stairs. With brighter light, a clear path and a stairlift doing the hard work, every floor of your home stays within easy reach.
Ready to prevent falls at home this winter?
Call Direct Stairlifts on 0800 530 0025 to book your free home assessment. Visit our Derby showroom to try the models, or request a brochure. If you already have a stairlift, schedule a winter service so it runs perfectly when you need it most.
