Safety Railings: Metal Options for the Elderly

As people age, they have additional needs for support as they move through spaces. If you’re designing a home or a public space, keeping the needs of elderly users in mind helps you create an environment that supports everyone, including people with mobility challenges.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements are specifically designed to create spaces that are accessible and emphasize the importance of meeting the needs of everyone. For elderly users, it’s especially important to provide railing systems with a handrail profile that allows for a strong grip, smooth surfaces, continuous runs, and stable mounting systems. 

Metal safety railings for the elderly offer these features and make a great choice for railings in areas that seniors rely on. Safety-minded metal railing designs blend seamlessly into stylish home environments as well as in other areas such as parks, hotels, restaurants, and more.  

Enhance Visibility with Lighted Railings

Lighted railing systems not only make the handrail more visible, but they also light up the walking surface below to help elderly users avoid any trip hazards. Whether installed on an exterior walkway or an interior hallway, iRAIL lighted railing systems offer enhanced visibility that can help reduce falls and create a safer space as people age. 

Include Multiple Railing Options

The metal railings at the Holford Rec Center are a good example of how to use multiple railings to enhance safety. The main handrail follows ADA handrail requirements, including the proper handrail height, while the top rail offers an additional place support for users as they move up and down the stairs. It also doubles as the guard as required by the standards. 

Install Continuous Railing Solutions

One of the ADA requirements for handrails is that they be continuous for the length of the stairs and ramp run. This standard also holds true for the top rail on a guard. It must also be free of any sharp or abrasive elements to create a smooth surface on which the user can run their hand as they support themself while walking. The rounded profile supports proper grip to provide as much support as possible. This railing system also follows the curve of the walkway to create support for those looking over the balcony.

Provide Support and Stability

The Benefis Hospital is a great example of how railing systems can provide the support and stability necessary for seniors as they move around their space. The STRUC Panel’s laser cut metal panels stand up to frequent use and the metal safety railing includes a handrail even in areas with a level walking surface to provide support whenever it’s needed. 

Preserve the View

While safety is the primary concern when designing for seniors, it’s also important to create a space that is aesthetically pleasing. In spaces with a beautiful view, choosing the right railing system can help preserve the view while still providing reliable support. Systems like the BEACON CableNet are often used in multi-family developments because they resist corrosion from moisture in the air and create a secure barrier for safety. A top rail can also give seniors a place for their hand to support them as they walk.

Install Hybrid Systems

The great thing about handrails is that they can be customized to fit nearly every design style and project specification. For example, the floating staircase at Granite Park VI incorporates glass infill and wood handrails to create a stunning staircase that blends modern and traditional elements. To increase handrail visibility at the bottom of the stairs, the wood handrail blends with a black powder coated handrail extension that meets ADA return requirements.

Choose Durable Systems

Handrails see a lot of use and durability is especially important in applications where the elderly rely on them for daily support. Metal safety railing systems, including the CIRCA Multiline railing system installed at Galena High School, are designed to be durable and long lasting with few maintenance requirements. If they can stand up to daily use by high school students, they can definitely support the elderly in their daily movements. 

Create Safety and Stability with Metal Handrails from VIVA Railings 

Helping seniors remain safe as they age is one of the benefits of metal handrails from VIVA Railings. If you’re designing a home that supports aging-in-place, adding safety railings to a retirement community, or creating a public space that everyone can access, metal railings offer a strong, customizable option.

Metal safety railings for elderly users from VIVA Railings meet or exceed ADA standards for handrails including requirements for:

• Height 
• Profile
• Load capacity
• Continuous runs
• Gripping surface
• Returns and extensions
• Fittings

We also offer additional options to enhance visibility and aesthetics, including:

• Lighted handrail options
• Finishing options 

Our durable and stylish systems give you the flexibility to create a handrail that perfectly fits the space and the needs of elderly users. 

Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today to discuss your project’s needs and see how our railings can fit into the larger design.