Taking the stairs can become more of a challenge as we age. Exhaustion, shortness of breath, and muscle ache are all common issues among the elderly. Millions of seniors suffer injuries from falls every year. Expert researches show that one in four individuals over 65 of age will experience a fall each year and that a history of falls significantly increases the likelihood that a person will experience a subsequent fall.
A stair lift is one solution for helping the elderly have greater mobility while maintaining their independence at home. Installing a stairlift can help older people remain in their own houses while making it less complicated for them to navigate and safer for them to do so.
Things to Consider When Picking a Stairlift
Purchasing a stairlift for a loved one or patient that has difficulties climbing stairs is a practical and cost-effective alternative. For seniors, getting up and down the stairs can be tough, and one wrong misstep can result in a terrible mishap. To make the purchase process much easier, below are four things to consider when investing in elevator stairs for elderly:
Mobility
The user’s mobility is the most crucial aspect when selecting a stairlift. This will determine whether a stairlift is the most secure mobility option. When consulting with a stairlift provider, it’s important to discuss the user’s situation in detail so they can recommend the best possible solution.
Design
Your home’s staircase will determine which stairlift design best fits your demands. Neither of the stairlifts detailed listed below needs to be permanently installed since they simply connect to the treads. Stairlifts are energy reliable, and their seats can be folded up out of the way when not in use. Here are your two options for stairlifts:
- A straight stairlift is the best option for a straight stairway.
- Curved stairlifts are versatile to different stair frameworks, including those with landings or pie-shaped stairs. These designs are made to fit your staircase.
In the end, the type of stairlift you pick depends on the design of your home. Alternatively, going online is your best option if you want to find a straight stairlift store near you that sells this type of stairlift.
Budget
Although stairlifts are the most reasonably valued solution to mobility issues, creating a realistic budget plan is still crucial. The stairlift cost typically can vary depending on the model you choose. The standard cost of a straight stairlift is between $2,500 and $5,500, while curved stairlifts start around $10,000 due to the need for specialized design. On the other hand, for those on a strict budget, you can buy used stairlifts. These lifts are lightly used and reconditioned to be re-installed in homes.
Company Reliability
If you are looking for a stairlift company, one important thing to consider is whether they have certified technicians available for installation and maintenance. It is crucial to know whom to contact in case the lift stops working or runs out of power supply. It’s essential to ensure the dealer you pick offers service before you buy a stairlift from them because not all of them do.
Final Thoughts
Stairlifts are a significant investment, but they are also a crucial help in the fight to age in place, as they allow people that have trouble climbing staircases to do so safely and without support. Although many devices are available to aid us in getting around, others can not navigate staircases. With the help of a stairlift, we can stay in our homes for as long as possible while still safely accessing all of the space accessible to us.