Main 5 Benefits of a Stairlift For Seniors and People with Mobility Challenges
A stairlift can often prove a practical and cost-effective solution to mastering the stairs in their home. There are several reasons why someone might find stairs a challenge or even an insurmountable obstacle. Here are the top benefits a stairlift can deliver.
For anyone who struggles with going up and downstairs, a home stairlift delivers plenty of benefits. There are several reasons why someone might find stairs a challenge or even an insurmountable obstacle, but they fall into three main categories. The first is just getting older, which means that in later life we might not have as much strength, agility, or energy as we once had. Stairs that we once climbed without a second thought can become much more of a challenge for many seniors.
The second – often combined with the first – is the onset or worsening of a medical complaint. The principal reason why people buy a stairlift is arthritis, which causes stiff, swollen, and painful joints. There are many types of arthritis and it can strike at any age, but the most common is osteoarthritis, often called ‘wear and tear arthritis’ because it’s linked to aging. Other medical conditions, including heart disease and respiratory problems, can leave you breathless and light-headed through physical exertion, such as climbing the stairs.
Independence: Many people living with mobility issues greatly value their independence and don’t like to rely on others for help. Some even worry they’ll ‘become a burden’ on others. Relying on a stairlift to see you safely up and down the stairs means you don’t have to rely on anyone else to help you. If you live alone and have mobility troubles, then a stairlift can be an ever-greater boost to your independence.
Safety: Any issue which restricts mobility can leave you at greater risk of a fall. It’s never good to fall anywhere, inside or outside the home, especially as you grow older and more susceptible to longer recovery times or medical complications. But falling on the stairs could be catastrophic. Using a home stairlift removes the risk of falling on the stairs. Look for a model that has a seatbelt or safety restraint, and a lockable swivel seat making it easier and safer to get on and off.
Peace of mind: Once you have a stairlift in your home you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you can go up and down stairs in safety as often as you like. No more worrying about your safety on the stairs or what might happen if your condition gets worse in the future. Best of all, this benefit is shared by the people who love and care for you, and previously worried about you struggling to manage the stairs. They’ll also enjoy the peace of mind a stairlift brings.
Stay in your home: Whether your stairs become a problem suddenly, perhaps after an accident, or more gradually over time, it means your home is no longer suited to your needs. You could change things around so you can live just on the ground floor, but why give up half your home? You could consider moving to a single-story home, but relocating can be stressful and expensive. Or you could invest in a home stairlift. It turns a two-story home into a single level one by removing the obstacle of stairs. In short, a stairlift enables you to stay in the home you love and use all of it.
Quality of life: The daily struggle of climbing and descending stairs in pain and discomfort is no fun! Too many people defer investing in a home stairlift until they have no choice, viewing it as a last resort. But you do have a choice – a choice to enhance your daily quality of life. Just like a dishwasher or washing machine, a stairlift is a domestic appliance designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable. You’ll also have more energy to devote to the things you enjoy.