An assistive device for stair-climbing assistance includes a powered rail-sliding platform that assists its user through a unique human interface. The device provides powered assistance (a gentle pulling force) and protection (through a safety belt) to help users climb or descend stairs.

There is provided a stair assistance device 1 for assisting a person to climb up and down stairs, the device comprising: a handle; a saddle for engagement with a guide rail mounted alongside the stairs, the saddle being connected to the handle; and an engagement rack for attachment to and extending along the length of the guide rail, the saddle being engaged with the engagement rack; where the saddle is arranged for sliding motion along the guide rail and for selectively preventing motion of the handle and saddle along the guide rail, the saddle comprising: a releasable ratchet mechanism comprising a pawl engageable with a ratchet which, when engaged, prevents movement of the handle in a downstairs direction and allows movement of the handle in an upstairs direction; and where the handle is coupled to the pawl such that a predetermined movement of the handle relative to the guide rail will disengage the pawl.

A removable handrail assistance device includes a bracket and a handle extension. The bracket may be affixed to a wall or other essentially immobile structure. The handle may be easily inserted into, or removed from, the bracket. The inserted handle extension is capable of supporting a user who holds onto the handle for support while, for example, climbing up or down one or more stairs. The bracket may be reversible, thereby allowing the handle to point in an opposite direction when inserted.