Fall Prevention: Handi-Ramp

A representative from Handi-Ramp contacted me to see if we would try out their handi-treads for stairs and give them a review.  I don’t usually do this but since they are a product designed to prevent falls, I thought it important to share as much information about them as possible.

Falls are a huge part of our life and can be the turning point in a person’s health, particularly for the elderly or disabled.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Each year, one in every three adults ages 65 or older falls and 2 million are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries. And the risk of falling increases with each decade of life.”

Robert’s seizures and mobility problems make him a high fall risk and he has been injured many times from falling during a seizure. Robert’s mobility and balance problems also prevent him from using stairs so, unfortunately, we could not use the Handi-Ramp product for Robert.

However, my mother-in-law, Carol, was a perfect candidate for the stair treads from Handi-Ramp. Carol lives in a mobile home and has to maneuver stairs to get inside. Carol actually broke her femur this year from a fall she had from slipping on a grape in her kitchen. While the fall was not on the stairs, we do worry about her managing the stairs every day.  Carol has had strokes, breathing problems and wears a pacemaker. Both knees have been replaced and only seven months ago she broke her femur.  She is also stubbornly independent and lives alone. 

So we worry about falls.

Carol's stairs BEFORE Handi-Treads

My husband, Richard, and I jumped at the chance to try out the Handi-Ramp stair treads.  We worked with the reps at Handi-Ramp to get the right size for Carol’s stairs. Everyone we have been in contact with (including the CEO, Thomas Disch) has been terrific.  Thom was especially helpful when we were trying to figure out which size to use on Carol’s stairs. Richard measured the stairs and sent Thom a picture of them to give him an idea of where we would install the treads.

Thom shipped six of the 30 inch by 3.75 inch treads for Richard to install and we received the package very quickly. Richard opened the package to see what he would be installing and was impressed with the sturdiness of the treads and raved that “they look like they will never wear out.”

Richard got most excited about all the holes available to use for the screws! There were many holes spaced throughout the stair tread in order to make it easy for the installer (in our case, Richard) and to ensure the safe and easy installation of the treads. Richard said the treads were, “more secure because of the number of screws available to use.”

Richard was able to install the stair treads quickly and easily. (Sounds like it was so easy, even I could have done it!)  No professional installer is needed for these stair treads.

Installation was a breeze!

Once they were installed, Carol tried them out and has been using them for a couple of weeks now. She said that she loves them and, “They make me feel a lot safer.”  She even said, “They look good too!”  Richard pointed out the stairs he installed are chrome in color which are easy to see (although Handi-Ramp also has options in brown, black and yellow).

Carol was a little concerned the raised buttons on the treads would hurt her hand if she fell on them but we explained the treads are designed to grip her shoes so she won’t fall. We assured her she won’t ever have to find out if her hand would get hurt on those buttons!

AFTER: A great comparison between
the old and the new

Most importantly, Carol summed up what all of us think about them, “I like that they are so sturdy.”

Feeling safe and staying healthy is so important. Since Carol lives alone and is recovering enough from her broken leg to get out of the house, having peace of mind that she will be safe going up and down her stairs lets us all breathe a little easier. 

Pricing for the size we used starts at $13.95 per Handi-tread. Carol is very cost-conscious and thrifty but said they are “worth it for the peace of mind.” For the material and ease of installation as well as peace of mind, I agree they are more than fairly priced. Even better, there's a coupon! Please use code BLOG2014 for a 10% discount. 

The quality of the product is exceptional and I am happy to recommend the stair treads from Handi-Ramp.