A new report from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) confirms that falls remain the leading cause of accidental deaths in the UK, with falls from stairs and steps identified as the single most common type. For older homeowners and their families, the findings underline why making homes safer should be a priority.
What the RoSPA Data Shows
According to RoSPA’s Annual Review of Accidents, more than 23,000 people lost their lives due to accidents in 2023, while almost 900,000 were admitted to hospital in 2023/24. The report notes an 8% increase in accidental death rates and a 3% rise in accident-related hospital admissions compared to the previous year.
Falls accounted for nearly half (48%) of all accidental deaths, according to the same report. More than half (59%) of all accident-related hospital admissions were caused by falls. Among the different types of falls recorded, those on stairs and steps were the most commonly identified cause of fatal injuries.
In a blog post responding to the RoSPA data, Millie Brown, Head of Homes at the Centre for Ageing Better, wrote that older people face a “disproportionately” high number of serious injuries and deaths from falls. She also highlighted that people living in more deprived areas are at greater risk, with poorer housing conditions among the contributing factors.
Why Stairs Pose Such a Risk for Older People
As we age, changes in balance, muscle strength, eyesight and joint mobility can make navigating stairs increasingly difficult. A staircase that posed no challenge at 50 can become a significant hazard at 75 or 80, especially when combined with conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or the effects of certain medications.
The Centre for Ageing Better reports that only around 7% of homes in England meet basic national accessibility standards, meaning millions of people are living in properties that were never designed with later life in mind. With one in four of the population projected to be aged 65 and over within the next 40 years, the gap between housing and the needs of an ageing population is widening.
What Can Be Done to Reduce the Risk of Falls on Stairs?
Many stair-related falls are preventable. The NHS recommends practical steps such as ensuring stairs are well-lit and free of clutter, fitting sturdy handrails on both sides of the staircase, keeping carpet and stair treads in good condition, and having regular eyesight checks to ensure any vision changes are addressed promptly.
For those who find stairs increasingly difficult, a stairlift can be one of the most effective home adaptations available. By removing the need to physically climb stairs, a stairlift significantly reduces the risk of a fall and can help people continue living independently in their own home. Typical UK prices reported by industry sources range from around £2,000 for a straight stairlift to £7,000 or more for curved models, though grants and funding options may help cover the cost.
Funding Support for Home Adaptations
Many people are unaware that financial help is available for home adaptations including stairlifts. The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), administered by local councils, can provide up to £30,000 in England towards the cost of essential adaptations. Eligibility is assessed through means testing and typically requires an occupational therapy assessment.
For 2026/27, the UK Government confirmed £723 million in DFG funding to help older and disabled people live safely and independently at home. Other funding sources include local council discretionary grants, charitable organisations such as Age UK and Turn2us, and the Scheme of Assistance in Scotland.
A good starting point is to contact your local council’s housing or social services team, or ask your GP for a referral to an occupational therapist who can assess your home and recommend appropriate adaptations.
A Call for Longer-Term Change
Beyond individual action, the Centre for Ageing Better is calling for systemic change through their Safe Homes Now campaign. Writing in response to the RoSPA findings, Millie Brown urged the government to raise the minimum target for accessible new homes well above the current 40% proposed in the National Planning Policy Framework consultation.
The charity has also proposed a national network of Good Home Hubs, one-stop shops that would help homeowners access trusted tradespeople, navigate funding options, and plan home improvements with later life in mind.
For families considering how best to keep an older relative safe at home, the RoSPA data underscores the importance of acting sooner rather than later. Whether that means fitting grab rails, improving lighting, or installing a stairlift, taking steps to reduce stair-related risks can make the difference between living independently and facing a potentially life-changing accident.
To explore stairlift options and compare prices from leading UK providers, visit our stairlift prices guide. If you think you may be eligible for funding, our stairlift grants page explains everything you need to know about applying for a Disabled Facilities Grant.
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