Stairlifts Archives - Lift and Accessibility Solutions

All the time, all over the world, people are aging and getting older. As people age, they prefer to remain at home as long as possible and to retain their independence.

Making The Decision To Get A Stair Lift?

Stairlifts Address A Crucial Need

Many seniors walk a fine line between the need to be assisted and being independent, and one’s ability to walk up and down the stairs is one of the most common activities to hinder a person’s independence. This is why getting a stairlift for the home is worth it.

Stairlifts allow seniors to head up or down the stairs without having to ascend or descend them under their own power. You sit in a chair and ride up or down thanks to a quiet motor. If you have a mobility issue, or simply have problems walking without an aide, a stairlift in your home can help you do your regular activities without assistance and remain in your own home longer.

Stairlifts Fit Your Lifestyle

You can have a stairlift inside or outside the home. Stairlifts are very helpful getting either up to the second floor or down to the basement. Some stairlifts even curve to a flight of stairs so that you can ride the same lift up multiple stories.

You can even install a stairlift on stairs that go to your porch or patio, as some stairlifts endure extreme weather conditions. If you like taking walks or going to the store, you don’t have to be hindered by the stairs to your front door.

Get One Before Becoming Immobile

While some seniors might not completely be immobile, accidents and mistakes can still occur when attempting to use the stairs in one’s home. Maybe your legs work fine, but impaired vision or balance problems make it dangerous to walk up and down stairs. This is another reason why a stairlift can be beneficial: no more accidents.

Anything that makes walking dangerous could be a great reason to purchase a stairlift, so consider getting a stairlift to continue to enjoy the benefits of safe, independent living.

Stairlifts are a useful tool to help individuals who have difficulty walking up and down stairs or who use a wheelchair. A stairlift, also known as a wheelchair lift, stair glide or chairlift, is a collapsible chair attached to a mechanical device that lifts a person up a set of stairs and back down them. If a person has a disability that may become progressively debilitating such as arthritis or COPD, their occupational therapist (OT) or physician may suggest they get a lift. However, it’s not always easy for individuals to use assistive technology. Here are four statements illustrating why people avoid getting a stairlift:

1. “I’m not ready for this change.”

There is a lot of emotion involved when changes to one’s independence occur. The loss of mobility can have a profound effect on a person’s mental health. It’s important to care for your emotional health and speak with your doctor or a counselor to help you to process the changes in your life.

2. “I don’t want to make structural changes.”

You may be concerned that there will be damage or changes to the structure of your home, but the installation is very discreet. The chair is attached to the lift, and the lift is installed with support brackets and screws.

3. “I don’t have enough room.”

Some customers are worried that the lift won’t give enough room for someone else to use the stairs without using the lift. Another concern is that the stair will block the landing. Stairlifts are designed, chosen, and installed to prevent such a situation. Many stairlifts today have folding foot rests and seats so they take up a minimal amount of space when not in use.

4. “I can’t afford it.”

The cost of a stairlift can vary but can cost up to several thousand dollars. Caregivers may be concerned about costs affecting their aging parents. Customers may have concerns because of a fixed budget. Unfortunately, lifts are not covered by Medicare, but there are other opportunities to fund the cost. Veterans may be eligible for coverage through the Veteran’s Administration (VA) or federal grants. You can apply for local, state or Federal grant funds to make home improvements. Medicaid may cover the cost. You may also be able to negotiate with the dealer to purchase a used lift or to set up a payment plan to help.

A stairlift is an excellent solution to help seniors or persons with disabilities to live safely in their homes. Don’t wait to get the assistive technology you need to help you to maintain your independence.

Want to know more? Download the free e-book, “Stair Lifts: 14 Things You Must Know Before You Buy.

grandma stairs san francisco, caAs you get older, it is natural for you to find it a little harder to get around your house on your own. Whether your knees and back ache, or you just don’t have quite the same spring in your step that you used to, getting from point A to point B can become challenging with as each year passes. However, do not believe that less mobility automatically means less independence. Many seniors maintain a safe and independent lifestyle with various home health aids for many years in their own homes. One of the greatest challenges for seniors, climbing stairs, has the elegant solution in San Francisco, CA called the stairlift. In use in homes since the 1930s, a stairlift can make a tremendous difference in managing your own mobility and allowing you to remain independent for years to come. Let’s look at some potential issues you may be experiencing that will help you decide if a stairlift is right for you.

Do You Fear Falling Down the Stairs?

Seniors often find it difficult to maintain their balance while walking even short distances, or when rising from a seated position. Add to that instability the change in elevation and coordination required to ascend or descend a staircase, and it can become a pretty frightening situation. If you fear that you are going to fall when going up or down a staircase, even when your hand is on the railing, it may be time to consider a stairlift for your home.

Do You Have Aches and Pains in Your Legs or Feet?

There are many reasons beyond old age that can cause aches and pains in your lower extremities: diabetic nerve pain, arthritis, degradation of joints and ligaments, or loss of bone/muscle mass. Regardless of the cause, this pain can make going up and down stairs a painful process, and in some cases absolute agony. If you are experiencing discomfort when climbing stairs to the point that it is limiting your independence, consider getting a quote for a stairlift. No one should suffer to move around their home.

Are You Unable to Access Certain Areas of Your Home?

When you live independently, you need to be able to get to every room in your house without human assistance. If your bedroom, bathroom, or other important room is not accessible to you at any time throughout your day because of a lack of mobility, pain in your extremities, or a lack of energy, it is time to consider installing an assistive device such as a stairlift. You don’t have to sacrifice your independent lifestyle just because moving around has become more difficult.

If any of these conditions apply to you, consult a local medical equipment provider about getting a quote for installing a stairlift in your home. Give yourself the gift of freedom and independence, and continue living your life on your terms.


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