If you answered No, here's what you can do:

• If feasible, mark the edge of your stairs with bright contrast paint to make them more visible (at a minimum on the top and bottom step).
• Make sure there are lights that you can turn on from the top and bottom of your stairs, and USE them.
• Make sure all steps are the same height (7 inches or 180 mm).
• Make sure all steps are the same depth (11 inches or 280 mm).

If you answered No, here's what you can do:

• Have solid round handrails installed and use them.
• Handrail height should feel comfortable when used for support.
• Call your local home support agency most of them provide household renovation or repair.
• Call CMHC (613) 748-2000 (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation), HASI Home Adaptations for Seniors'Independence program. Also see Handout 3: Home Adaptations for Seniors’ Independence. This program can provide some funds to assist you in installing handrails.
• Remember that decorations on handrails can interfere with their use.

If you answered No, here's what you can do:

• If your stairs are slippery, buy non-slip strips and put these at the edge of each step.
• Use paint with grit to make you stairs non-slippery.
• If stairs are in poor repair, have them fixed. Contact your local senior advisory council or home support agency to see if there is support available for you to fix them or have them fixed.

If you answered No, here's what you can do:

• Don't leave any objects, ice or snow on your stairs.
• Keep a bag of grit inside your home to put on the ice.
• Call your local home support agency most of them offer snow shoveling services.