It is a problem most of us don’t consider until it is too late. You’re climbing the stairs, you start feeling breathless, your knees buckle and you fall down the stairs.
This scenario is surprisingly common among seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury among Americans aged 65 and older. About 36 million falls are reported annually among senior citizens, and a substantial number of these involve accidents due to stairs.
With more than 26% of seniors preferring to spend their golden years in their homes, stairs are one of the biggest challenges to their mobility. For this level of independence to be maintained, certain things must be in place. One of these necessities is a stairlift.
The numerous benefits of stairlifts make them an ideal choice for seniors who need a little help with the steps at home. But how do you know if you should purchase one? Are there signs that let you know you might benefit from a stairlift?
Signs that you may need a stairlift
Below are some of the most common and, at times, subtle indicators that you might need a stairlift installed.
Frightened about going up/down the stairs
The stairs are one of the most common places in a home a person is likely to experience a fall. And these falls could cause serious injuries. However, if you avoid the stairs or try to find a way to live on one level, stairlifts may be a good option to regain confidence when ascending or descending the stairs.
Needing the help of a handrail or banister to climb stairs
A handrail or banister provides support when going up and down stairs. Handrails help with balance and keep you from falling off the side of the stairs. However, if you discover that you rely heavily on the handrails or use them for full support, you might consider a stairlift.
Out of Breath
As a kid or young adult, you may have mindlessly run up the stairs, but as we age, walking up and down the stairs take more time and concentrated effort. Slowing down is a natural occurrence; however, if you find yourself out of breath or exhausted when you reach the top every time you climb stairs, it may be time to look at other options. Walking up the stairs should not be so physically exhausting that the stairs are unsafe.
Difficulty seeing the steps
If you have been diagnosed with any condition that impairs you visually, speak with your physician regarding mobility aids like stairlifts. This is especially common in seniors with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other visual impairments.
Benefits of Stairlift
Stairlifts offer a lot of advantages to seniors living alone. They are easy to use and maintain and can prevent falls and accidents. Here are a few reasons that make installing a stairlift beneficial.
Safety
Safety is the main reason you should invest in a stairlift for yourself or a loved one. A stairlift allows you to access the second floor of your home safely and without the risk of losing balance when climbing stairs. In addition, as a result of using a stairlift, the risk of serious injury from falling downstairs is mitigated.
Ease of use
Stairlifts are very simple machines and are easy to operate. To operate a stairlift, fold the seat and footrest down, sit down on the seat, secure the seat belt, press and hold the button on the armrest to move the chair up or down the stairs.
Quick and Affordable
If you can no longer safely use the stairs, a stairlift is one of the most affordable and quick-to-install solutions for you—especially when compared to moving to a new home or renovating a two-story house. Adding a stairlift is also a much faster solution; in most cases, a stairlift can be installed in a day.
Stairlifts for Seniors
Stairlifts are a great option for seniors finding it difficult to use stairs, restricting mobility. The lifts are easy to operate, comfortable, and can be installed on any stairs.
At Harmar, we are committed to providing mobility solutions to seniors. We offer a wide range of compact, sturdy, and versatile stairlifts for straight and curved stairs. In addition, our authorized dealers are available round the clock to help you with any queries.
