The older we get, the more difficult it can be to stay safe and independent in our own homes. While you may have run up and down the stairs in your younger years without a second thought, staircases these days may feel more like scaling a mountain.
Thankfully, there’s an easier way to navigate stairs: stairlifts. They’re a practical solution for older homeowners who want to remain as self-sufficient as possible and enjoy their retirement years in the homes they love.
Stairlifts are becoming increasingly popular in residential houses. With the right knowledge, you can learn how to shop for one, finance it, and get one installed in your home. Let’s learn how.
Why Do Older Homeowners Need Stairlifts?
With age comes many blessings: deeper wisdom, a longer list of life experiences, and the chance to slow down and enjoy living after a lifetime of hard work. Yet time also wears down our bodies, bringing unwelcome mobility problems along with it.
Simple tasks like climbing the stairs can be difficult if not impossible for many older adults, posing a greater risk of falls and injuries. Stairlifts are the best solution for eliminating stairs as an obstacle to enjoying life in your home. They are motorized seats that move along the staircase railings, offering an easy and safe way to transport oneself — without assistance — between floors.
Stairlifts offer safety and peace of mind, both for the residents and their loved ones, who can rest easy knowing that the risk of accidental falls is greatly reduced. They can also help you save energy for other essential tasks you need to accomplish during each day.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Stairlift
Purchasing a stairlift requires some careful consideration of a few key factors, including:
Mobility Level
You’ll need to think about the user’s mobility level. There are a variety of stairlifts to choose from — some have swivel seats and footrests for those with limited mobility, while others are more stationary.
Type of Staircase
Do you have a simple, straight staircase? Do you have one or more landings on the way up the stairs? Are there any curves in your staircase? Fortunately, there are plenty of options for both straight stairlifts as well as custom-designed ones.
Budget
Many homeowners are leery of stairlifts because of their perceived high cost, but there are a wide variety of reliable choices for just about any budget — plus, there are several different methods to finance one.
Safety
The whole point of a stairlift is to keep the user safe. Look for features like seatbelts, sensors that detect obstacles, and emergency stop buttons.
Quality & Service
You’ll want to choose a dependable stairlift provider who offers high-quality products, attentive customer service, and after-sales support.
How Do You Find a Stairlift Near You?
If finding the right stairlift seems daunting, turn to Havenside for help. Our team guides homeowners through the process of making home modifications for aging in place. From simple mobility improvements like grab bars to more extensive upgrades like stairlifts, we can help you find the right solutions.
At Havenside, we understand that each home and homeowner is unique. That’s why we take the time to understand your specific needs and guide you towards the most suitable solutions.
Don’t let mobility challenges limit your freedom. Contact us today for more information, and let us help you continue living safely and independently in your own home.
