As we age, the time may come when various things we take for granted become more and more challenging. Going up the stairs is one of those things, as it can put a lot of pressure on joints and the muscles which older people can find incredibly sore. Other conditions such as arthritis or a hip fracture – as well as general ageing – can also affect movement, and this is something that can leave the body in a state of vulnerability when it comes to moving around the home.
To tackle this, mobility aids and in-home adaptations such as walk-in baths can make home life much easier and way more comfortable, lowering the pressure put on joints. However, how do you know when it is the right time to get a stairlift? It can be difficult to figure whether your movement has become so challenging that a stairlift can really improve your lifestyle or whether you can go on as you are. To support you in making this choice, this blog will act as a guide which provides advice on whether your reduced movement would benefit from the help of a stairlift and which model is best suited to your needs.
Having a stairlift fitted is a big investment so it’s understandable that you may be unsure as to whether you require a lift or you don’t. From our huge experience in stairlifts, often customers say that they wish they had one fitted sooner.
However, how do you know when sooner is? With this in mind, we would like to outline to you how to decide the reasons that made them decide to get a stairlift installation and that maybe time for you to invest in a stairlift at home. Read on to find out more!
You’re helping someone else upstairs by standing behind them
This is something that is a big concern for many homeowners. What will happen if you are a carer for a loved one and you end up falling down the stairs by helping them? It can be a fatality waiting to happen. What if you are injured and it results in a hospital stay where you’re no longer able to care for your relative? It’s not a good idea for both of you. A stairlift can be a good option for both of you, help give your loved one some independence back and free up your time too.
You have resorted to shuffling up the stairs on your bum
There are much easier ways of getting up and downstairs that don’t entail you sitting on your bum having to do all the hard work! This is not practical and why do the hard work yourself when a stairlift can do it for you?
You find yourself having to use a bannister or handrail
Occasionally, people require additional handrails fitted to support them on their way up the stairs, but they are there to help you balance yourself when using the stairs. If you are finding that you are hauling yourself up then that’s not what they are created for. Consider the strain it is putting on your shoulders, neck and back which you really don’t need it impacting your health. A stairlift is way simpler and puts zero pressure on your joints whatsoever.
It takes you over 5 minutes to climb your stairs
We’re certain in your younger days you probably ran up the stairs, perhaps even taking them two at a time. Moreover, as we take on average 250,000 journeys up and down stairs in our lifetime, it’s hardly surprising we can slow down when we are less mobile. Sometimes it’s necessary to get up and downstairs quickly perhaps to the bathroom or just pop upstairs for something you’ve forgotten. The typical stairlift will take around 35 seconds. Think of what could you do with this extra time in your day?
You’re out of breath when you reach to the top of the stairs
If this is you then climbing the stairs must feel like climbing a great distance. If climbing the stairs is causing problems with your health then you really should think about getting a stairlift put in. You can get upstairs in around 35 seconds and still have enough energy to do whatever it is you need to do upstairs without struggling.
You have problems seeing the steps and judging putting your foot on them correctly
Sometimes various conditions make people misjudge steps such as Parkinsons, Alzheimers, visual impairments and so forth. It’s essential to avoid accidents happening at home. It’s simpler for you to sit on a lift and safely get off it at the top of the stairs other than misjudging steps and falling on the stairs.
A change in mobility and being unable to do climb the stairs as you could
Occasionally there can be a gradual or sudden change in mobility that can make climbing stairs much more difficult or even impossible. A stairlift can be put in place quickly to help you to get your independence back and use of your whole home.
Discharged from hospital
If you’ve just come out of hospital then you may want to think about having a stairlift fitted. Sometimes you’re not feeling 100% and if you’re likely to get better you could consider a rental stairlift to help you temporarily while you recuperate. You can always purchase a rental lift at a later date if you want to keep it permanently or if the condition is unlikely to change.
Your family or friends have told you they are concerned about you
No doubt your family and friends care about your welfare. A stairlift really does make a difference to the quality of life having freedom and independence in your house. Also encouragingly it is often the case that having things like a stairlift fitted early on can prolong someone going into a care home for several which is brilliant news!
Here at LTC Mobility, we At L.T.C Mobility, we huge a wide variety of stairlifts and chairs, perfect for any home in Llanelli, Carmarthen or throughout South West Wales. At L.T.C Mobility, your professional and customer-focused supplier of wheelchairs, scooters, and mobility aids. We know how important it is to have your independence and the ability to get around, and that’s why we supply the highest quality mobility aids.
Our stairlifts are designed to fit the stairs, not the walls, allowing for a more natural feel and a better look in your home. Our stair chairs and lifts have many useful features such as a slim foldaway design, lockable swivel seats, easy to use controls, safety sensors and made with options to sit or stand, whichever way suits you best. As a family-run business that’s been in the Llanelli community for over two decades, our aim is to hold your interest’s paramount over anything else. All our wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be tailored to your personal, day-to-day needs. We provide value for money, honest and reliable assistance, and friendly advice at all times. We are proud to offer stairlifts that help make your life easier. To find out more, please get in touch.