According to a 2017 study of data collected from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) between 1990 and 2012, approximately 1 million patients were treated for stair-related injuries in United States emergency departments each year due to falls on stairs (Blazewick et al., 2017).
Data gathered from the NEISS Online Database for the last decade shows similar annual estimates with a slight dip in 2000 followed by a steady increase. (NEISS Online Database, Accessed July 16, 2024)
Stair-Related Fall Demographics
Stairs are a common source of injury for individuals of all ages. "Notably, a large proportion of the injury burden occurs to the adult female population" (Blazewick et al., 2017).
While the study was unable to identify the reasons for the higher injury rates among women due to limitations in the information available via NEISS reports, researchers noted that "a possible contributing factor could include increased exposure to stairs related to greater time in the home while caring for children and performing household chores" as well as "high rates of falls among women during pregnancy" and the difference in footwear between men and women (Blazewick et al., 2017).
Data from the last decade shows this gap between the sexes has continued. (NEISS Online Database, Accessed July 16, 2024)
Blazewick et al. (2017) also concluded that, "although the injury rate was highest among older adults in this study, individuals 11-60 years of age accounted for more than two-thirds of all stair-related injuries and had the second highest injury rate".
Recent data collected from the NEISS database shows that 30.8% of stair-related emergency room visits between 2014 and 2023 were made by individuals 60 years of age and older. (NEISS Online Database, Accessed July 16, 2024)
Common Injuries From Falling Down Stairs
Blazewick et al., (2017) found that the most common injuries from falling down stairs are sprains and strains (32.2%), soft tissue injuries (23.8%), and fractures (19.38%). While the most common region of the body injured were the lower extremities (42.1%) and the head and neck (21.6%).
Table 1
Characteristics of Stair-Related Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments in the United States, NEISS 1990-2012.
Body Region Injured | <= 10 Years | 11-60 Years | >= 61 Years |
Head & Neck | 2,378,853 | 1,923,723 | 1,048,670 |
Upper Extremity | 485,067 | 2,721,635 | 973,262 |
Trunk | 153,498 | 3,346,060 | 985,320 |
Lower Extremity | 591,894 | 8,479,979 | 1,360,134 |
Other/Not Specified | 58,470 | 175,053 | 75,852 |
Injury Type | <= 10 Years | 11-60 Years | >= 61 Years |
Strain or Sprain | 315,543 | 6,954,985 | 725,972 |
Soft Tissue Injury | 1,103,732 | 3,804,547 | 989,986 |
Fracture | 418,362 | 2,823,023 | 1,541,789 |
Laceration | 980,330 | 916,706 | 502,784 |
Concussion/Closed Head Injury | 586,751 | 520,643 | 317,745 |
*National estimates are made of the total number of product-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments based on the NEISS data collected from these hospitals. Because the NEISS is a sample of hospitals and not a census, the estimates from NEISS are indeed ‘estimates’.
**Column and row percentages may not sum to 100.0% due to rounding errors.
Why Seniors Face Increased Risks on Stairs
As we grow older, our bodies undergo natural changes that can affect our capacity to navigate steps safely. The process of lifting one's body weight against gravity while maintaining stability becomes increasingly challenging for many seniors.
This difficulty stems from various age-related factors:
- Mobility Issues:Â Impaired balance, gait problems, lower body weakness, reduced flexibility in joints, pain, and overall frailty are major contributors to stair falls in older adults.
- Chronic Health Conditions: Common chronic health conditions like Arthritis, Hypertension, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Diabetic Neuropathy can also make it difficult to climb stairs. (Verghese J, Wang C, Xue X, Holtzer R., 2008)
- Vision Impairments: Vision impairments can significantly impact an older adult's ability to safely navigate stairs. Issues with depth perception, contrast sensitivity, and low-light vision can increase the risk of missteps and falls on stairs. (Verghese J, Wang C, Xue X, Holtzer R., 2008)
- Medication Side Effects: Taking four or more prescription drugs increases fall risk on stairs. Specifically, the use of psychotropic medications like tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants can affect balance and increase the likelihood of stair falls. (Choi, N. G., Marti, C. N., Choi, B. Y., & Kunik, M. M., 2023)
- Environmental Factors: Home hazards, including poorly designed or maintained stairs, contribute significantly to fall risk. The CDC highlights that broken or uneven steps are common environmental risk factors for stair falls in older adults. (CDC, Facts About Falls)
It's important to note that most falls result from a combination of risk factors, and the more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling.
However, caregivers and healthcare providers can help reduce fall risk by first assessing and then addressing these risk factors through medical treatment, physical therapy, and home modifications.
How a Stair Lift Can Help
Stair lifts offer a practical solution to mitigate the risks associated with stair use for seniors.
The many benefits of installing a stair lift include:
- Adaptability: Stair lifts can be installed on various types of staircases, including straight, curved, and even outdoor stairs. This versatility ensures that seniors can find a solution that fits their specific home and needs.
- Accessibility: Stair lifts enable seniors to move safely between different levels of their home, including areas they may not have been able to access for many months.Â
- Independence: By removing the barrier posed by stairs, stairlifts allow seniors to stay in their homes longer, preserving their independence.
- Safety: Not only do stair lifts help reduce the risk of falling by reducing the physical burden associated with ascending and descending stairs, but stairlifts come equipped with safety features such as seat belts, armrests, and sensors that can detect obstacles and objects on the stairs ensuring a secure and comfortable ride.
- Peace of Mind for Caregivers: Knowing that your loved one can navigate stairs safely reduces the stress and worry many caregivers experience on a daily basis.
Investing in a stair lift can lead to improved quality of life and peace of mind for both seniors and their caregivers. They offer a reliable and user-friendly solution that allows older adults to continue enjoying their homes, allowing them to age-in-place safely.
Additional Information About Stair Lifts
