It’s estimated that you will take about 250,000 journeys up and down stairways in your lifetime. Perhaps it’s inevitable that you might begin to experience difficulty climbing up and down stairways as you get older. In addition to the natural impact of gaining or onset of health issues such as arthritis, trouble with the stairways can result from neurological conditions or a severe injury. The problem could be your painful hip joint or could stem from respiratory issues and tremors.

Regardless of the root cause of your mobility issues, any condition that makes climbing stairways painful, dangerous, or difficult should be addressed. Installing a stairlift for a home is a good starting point.

When should you get a Stairlift for Home?

Here are 10 signs it’s time to buy or rent a stairlift for your home.

Declining Vision

Aging in place can become significantly difficult if your vision is declining. Tripping hazards that were once easy to avoid could become obstructions, especially in the bathroom and around stairs. So if you have noticed that your vision has declined over time, it’s best to get a professional assessment of the extent of the issue and how it’s likely to affect you.

Perhaps you could get your eyes checked regularly and use high-visibility tape to mark obstructions within your home. To some extent, this can prevent falls. However, at a certain point, you will need to consider a lasting solution if you want to age in place. Your doctor may recommend installing a stairlift to improve your mobility.

You Fell or are Afraid of Falling on the Stairs

Research shows that falls are the top cause of injuries in seniors and a significant detriment to aging in place. Multiple studies have shown that an older adult falls about every second and 1/3 of these falls happen at home.

One way to reduce the risk of falling at home is to address all known tripping hazards such as loose electrical wires, scatter rugs, and more. However, if you have fallen on the stairs or are afraid of tripping on the stairway, you have two choices – avoid the stairs or find accessibility equipment that will help you use the stairs safely. This is where stairlifts come in.

You need Physical Assistance to Ascend and Descend Stairs

As mentioned, tripping hazards and falls have a debilitating effect, making it challenging for most people to age in place. Despite having the choice to make modifications to their homes or avoid stairs, most seniors choose to carry on and ‘make do’ with limited mobility, especially on stairways.

In most cases, older adults try to manage their mobility issues by planning their days around the staircases. However, getting up and down the stairs in your home shouldn’t be a cause of anxiety or something you have to struggle with.

If you ever find yourself transferring everything you could need downstairs – so that you avoid climbing stairs – it’s time to think about a long-term solution to your mobility challenges. Similarly, if you must wait for physical assistance to get to your upstairs bedroom, you may want to install a stairlift in your home so that you can live independently.

You are confined to one Level of your Multi-Storey Home

Shifting your bedroom to the first floor of a multi-story home may seem like the simplest solution if you can no longer use stairs safely. Logically, it makes sense. If stairs have become a problem, why not eliminate them from the equation?

While pairing your house down to a single story may be a good way to avoid stairs, it doesn’t make the challenge go away. It simply limits your access to certain areas of your home and cuts down your ability to enjoy your home like you once did. You have paid for an entire home, why limit your access to a single floor?

You Can’t Access your Yard

One of the top benefits of home ownership is to spend time in your yard and enjoy your garden and other outdoor spaces. However, if you struggle to use stairs, there’s a chance you feel unsteady getting down the stairs to outdoor spaces like your garden or yard. That means you are missing out on the benefits of being outdoors.

Whether you want to get sunshine or you are a gardening enthusiast, you shouldn’t be forced to stay inside your home because you can’t ascend or descend stairs safely. Install an outdoor stairlift for seniors and spend more time enjoying your yard and other outdoor spaces.

You Plan to move to a New House

If you are unable to ascend or descend stairs comfortably, another option would be to move to a single-story home or a ranch. Perhaps it’s better compared to confining yourself to the first floor of your multi-million dollar home. But when was the last time you changed your primary residence? Do you remember how it felt?

Sorting through decades’ worth of cherished items and packing everything into bags or boxes can be as emotionally tiring as physically taxing. Also, you will have to hire a truck or a moving company. Think about the hassle of selling your home and finding a house within your price range.

Beyond the financial cost of shifting to a new home, think about the emotional toll it’s likely to take on you. It can be quite exhausting. Why not get a high-quality stairlift for residential properties? This would improve your mobility and give you a chance to safely use stairs without the fear of falling or needing physical support.

Your Family is Worried About You on Stairways

Hearing concerns from your family about your safety on the stairs can be unsettling, but it often comes from a place of love and worry. Falls on stairways are a leading cause of injuries, particularly for seniors, and the risk only increases with age or mobility challenges.

Installing a stairlift can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones by ensuring you navigate your home safely. Studies show that mobility aids like stairlifts not only improve quality of life but also delay the need for assisted living by many years.

You’re Considering a Nursing Home

The idea of moving into a nursing home often signals a fear of losing independence. For many seniors, the struggle to use stairs safely might be the only reason such a transition feels necessary. Instead of just ‘uprooting your life’ from the home you love, consider how a stairlift can make aging in place possible. With this cost-effective and straightforward mobility solution, you can continue enjoying the comfort of your cherished home.

Before making a decision to move to a nursing home, consult your doctor and family about mobility aids as a viable alternative to assisted living. A stairlift might just be the solution to extend your independence and reduce unnecessary stress.

You need a Home Elevator or Extensive Home Remodelling

Home remodeling or installing a residential elevator can significantly enhance accessibility, but these options often come with high costs, extensive construction, and months of work. For individuals who only need assistance on stairways, a stairlift offers a more practical and affordable solution.

Unlike elevators or structural renovations, stairlifts require minimal disruption to your home. They are quickly installed and provide seamless access between floors without altering your home’s layout. A stair lift can restore your mobility while keeping your house intact, offering freedom and safety without the hassle of major remodeling.

You just got Discharged from the Hospital

After being discharged from the hospital, recovering in your multi-story home may present challenges, especially when climbing stairs. A temporary or rental stairlift can ease your recovery, allowing you to regain strength while staying safe.

For those with long-term health conditions, purchasing a stairlift may be the better choice, ensuring ongoing mobility and independence. With quick installation and flexible options, stairlifts can adapt to your immediate and future needs. Discuss your mobility concerns with your doctor and explore a stairlift as part of your recovery plan. It’s an investment in safety and comfort during a critical period of healing.

Conclusion

When it comes to your grandparents or parents, you want them to be safe, particularly when ascending and descending stairs within their home. so watch out for difficulties in climbing stairs. It could be the best time to install a stairlift if your loved one has expressed their fear of falling or they have tripped and fallen on the stairs.

Investing in a stairlift can improve a senior’s mobility and ability to live independently. Contact HomePro Mobility and get the best curved or straight stairlift for seniors.

FAQs

What’s the cost of a stairlift?

Compared to the cost of moving to a new home or an assisted living facility, installing a stairlift in your home is a cost-effective solution to mobility issues. The cost of a stairlift depends on various factors such as the shape of your stairs, chairlift model, features, installation work needed, brand, and more.

What’s the lifespan of a chairlift?

7 to 10 years. With proper maintenance, your stairlift could last more than ten years. Therefore, it’s best to work with a professional to get your stairlift serviced once or twice a year.