Tangible safety: self-determination thanks to Flexo handrail systems

Code-compliant handrail systems provide safety and make stairs accessible and usable for more people. They help reduce fall risk, facilitate more mobility, and allow people to gain access to all rooms. Thanks to its social work with older adults and people with disabilities, Flexo-Handlaufsysteme GmbH knows about potential barriers and has made it its mission to promote the self-determination of people with its handrail systems.

Mr. Schmid, Flexo-Handlaufsysteme GmbH is a company that specializes in retrofitting handrail systems in existing buildings. Why are handrails such an important tool and how do they promote an accessible life and foster self-determination?

Siegfried Schmid: Stairs are not an accessible building component as it pertains to geometry. However, staircases can be used by people with disabilities if they are properly designed and executed. The height of stair risers and the width of stair treads are typically compliant with the standard. Yet to climb stairs safely, people with physical or learning disabilities (so-called "intellectual disabilities") require handrails. That’s why handrails are required on both sides of the stairs at a height of around 85 centimeters (33 inches). It is also important to provide a horizontal surface of at least 30 centimeters to prevent the risk of falling when climbing or coming down the stairs. Incidentally, it is interesting to see that both young and old people typically use wall mounted handrails if they are available.

What does "code-compliant" mean when it comes to handrails and why is this such an important detail?

Siegfried Schmid: The standard and requirements specify how handrails must be designed. Round and oval handrails are best and range between 3 and 4.5 centimeters in diameter. The brackets are attached to the bottom surface. The end of the handrails must have rounded terminations or bends and ideally should end into a wall. It is also important that the color of the handrails contrasts to the surrounding wall surface and facilitate a firm grasp. The handrail must also extend at least 30 centimeters beyond the top and bottom of the stairs.

Do people with disabilities and older adults have a legal right (in Germany) to handrails or other supports?

Siegfried Schmid: People with disabilities and people with long-term care benefits (German: "Pflegestufe") are legally entitled to this resource since everyone must have access to all public buildings and their own homes. In Germany, long-term care insurance pays for code-compliant handrails as this often allows people to live independently without third-party assistance and achieve self-determination. Private homes frequently claim this benefit. However, few know that renters or joint tenants of a condominium can also request a stair handrail. The long-term care insurance is also providing help in this setting.

You have been a REHACARE exhibitor for many years. How important is this event for your company?

Siegfried Schmid: Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the trade fair was very important because it was frequented by many medical supply stores. This enabled us to build personal connections with customers from all over Germany. Medical supply stores install our flexofit systems on stairs, in hallways, bathrooms, and next to beds. Many trade fair visitors witnessed that a handrail is an assistive device that can look stylish and attractive.