3. There Has Been a Fall, Near Fall, or Increasing Fear of Falling

A fall can be an important warning sign—but it isn't necessary to wait for one to happen before addressing a potentially hazardous environment.

Research consistently identifies falls as an important concern for older adults living at home. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized studies found that appropriately designed home-modification interventions were associated with a reduction in falls among older adults (Lee et al., 2023).

More recent research has likewise found that home hazard assessment and environmental modifications can reduce fall incidence and medically attended falls (Crosby et al., 2026).

The stairs deserve particular attention because they require balance, coordination, strength, and the ability to safely transfer weight from one step to another.

If someone has experienced a fall on the stairs, nearly fallen, or has become increasingly afraid of using them, it may be worth having the home's accessibility evaluated and discussing possible solutions with an appropriate professional.

4. Family Members Are Increasingly Worried About Safety

Sometimes the person using the stairs isn't the first person to recognize that something has changed.

Adult children, spouses, and other caregivers may notice that a loved one is holding onto the railing more tightly, taking the stairs one step at a time, avoiding carrying anything, or needing someone nearby for support.

These concerns shouldn't automatically mean that someone needs to move out of their home. In fact, home modifications are specifically used as one strategy for supporting aging in place.

A 2025 systematic review examining 20 studies found that home modifications were associated with improvements in areas including fall prevention, functional independence, quality of life, and—in some studies—caregiving burden (Cha, 2025).

A stairlift can be one potential accessibility solution when stairs have become a concern, allowing families to address a specific barrier while preserving the rest of the home.

5. You're Planning for the Future—Not Just Responding to a Crisis

Perhaps the best time to consider a stairlift is before the stairs become an emergency.

A home that works perfectly today may not work as well several years from now. Planning ahead gives families time to consider different options, understand what modifications may be appropriate, and make decisions without the pressure of an immediate crisis.

Research on aging in place emphasizes that successful aging at home involves adapting the environment as an individual's needs change. Home modifications can be part of a broader strategy for maintaining independence and remaining in a familiar environment (Cha, 2025; Sheth & Cogle, 2023).

For some households, a stairlift may be an appropriate solution. For others, different modifications—or a combination of modifications—may make more sense.

The important thing is to address accessibility before a preventable problem forces the decision.