Evaluating Your Need (Or Not) For A Stairlift

Before you take the leap to invest in a stairlift to improve accessibility around your home environment, evaluate your needs objectively. First, ask yourself a few questions and be honest; would you benefit from a stairlift? Next, visit qualified and reputable retailers to see options and operations first-hand. Visit Pacific Mobility to learn more. 

Is it time to start considering mobility solutions to improve your accessibility? A stairlift is a life-changing mobility aid that can be installed practically anywhere- indoors and out and helps many individuals age in place while remaining in their homes during later years. Depending on your physical limitations, a stairlift can improve safety, convenience, and even self-confidence among users. Talk to your healthcare professional to learn more about the great potential of mobility aids for you.

Ask yourself a few questions to determine if a stairlift could be a viable option for you: 

• Have you experienced a fall? How about stumbling or loss of balance when walking or standing? 
• Do you take any prescription medications? 
• Do you live with medical issues or conditions that could impact your gait? 
• Do you live with limited body strength overall, but particularly in your legs or feet? 
• Do you tire easily? How is your stamina? 
• Does it hurt to stand or walk? Sometimes? Always? 

Stairlifts are intended to improve access, while also increasing safety. Does this sound like something that could be right for you?  

Consider the following criteria to evaluate your need- or not- for a stairlift: 

Accessibility Challenges 

Consider exactly what your accessibility challenges are around your home. Is it going upstairs to use a bathroom or bedroom? Or, is it outside when you want to enjoy your greenspace? Hone in on those areas of the home that cause you difficulty or that are simply inaccessible when evaluating your need- or not- for a lift.  

Coordination and Conditioning 

The next criterion to assess is your own level of physical conditioning and coordination. Are you typically clumsy? Have you experienced a fall? If you are older, a fall can be debilitating with serious repercussions. Think about your own risk factors for an injury when contemplating the purchase of a stairlift.  

Stress and Anxiety 

Do you worry about going up or down stairs in your home? Do you avoid them at all costs? While this may indicate that a lift is indeed a prudent purchase, some buyers may experience angst at the thought of adapting to and using a stairlift regularly. Only you know what your individual feelings are, but keep this in mind when deciding on whether or not to invest in a stairlift.  

Home Environment 

Another criterion that may point to the right mobility solution for your home is the actual environment. This includes the configuration, types of stairs, layout, and more. Rest assured that there are lifts for the most complicated situations, including straight or curved stairlifts, for indoors and out. Take a good look around your home environment to determine if it is time for a lift, or if there are other safety measures to address first that may improve accessibility also. 

Recovery Goals 

What are your goals for implementing mobility aids? Is it during rehabilitation or recovery from an injury or surgery? Or is it more long-term to make everyday living more adaptive and convenient? Consider your own distinct goals when looking over available mobility solutions. If you are recuperating and the lift is a temporary fix, consider leasing one from an area mobility vendor. If you are a senior or if you have physical limitations, you may benefit from a more permanent option, like a stairlift. Talk to a mobility retail professional to find out more.  

Safety Issues 

The underlying aim of a stairlift is to ensure safety. These make it possible to visit areas of the home that may previously have been inaccessible. This can increase the individual’s independence and ability to complete activities of daily living- like bathing and dressing- without assistance in some cases. Depending on the nature of your own limitations or challenges, a stairlift can make everyday living safer and by preserving autonomy, it can improve quality of life for those that are aging in place at home.  

Additionally, a stairlift may help preserve the health and well-being of caregivers and those that assist the user routinely.  

Your Lifestyle 

Speaking of aging in place, what is your lifestyle like? Do you want to remain in your current home environment indefinitely? If so, a stairlift can help make this feasible. The benefits of a stairlift are long-term; remember this when evaluating your own need for one.  

Do you need a stairlift? We can help; Pacific Mobility brings generations of expertise regarding mobility equipment to help you make an informed decision. Call or visit us today.