stairlifts bring functionality to the home, expanding and extending utility for those who rely on these devices daily. From accessibility and ease to convenience and versatility, the automation elements of a stairlift make it very viable to operate regardless of physical limitations. Perhaps the most important aspects that a stairlift adds to the home setting are overall safety and autonomy, providing independence and improved quality of life for those living with disabilities.
Do you live with a physical limitation or disability? If you do, then you may appreciate how life-changing mobility aids can be. It is estimated that more than 90 percent of people over 65 plan on aging-in-place, that is, stay in their own home- independently- as long as possible. This is in lieu of communal, assisted, or residential living options. For this to happen, seniors must stay healthy, avoid falls, and be realistic about needs in order to get them met; mobility aids, like stairlifts, make this viable for many.
Access
After all, doesn’t it all come down to access? stairlifts make second levels, porches, patios, and even outdoor living spaces accessible. For some, this could be life-altering, allowing them access to areas of the home that had been prohibitive before. For others, this may allow them to engage in activities enjoyed, like gardening or taking a hot bath, which contribute to overall quality of life. Access with ease is what stairlifts bring to the daily function of your home; isn’t that a worthwhile investment?
Convenience
When you install stairlifts, you are adding convenience to your home. The payoff in time, effort, and safety is immeasurable. Users that previously could not carry items, belongings, or things like laundry upstairs can safely complete routine chores and ADLs (activities of daily living), with much less stress and strain.
Versatility
Worried that installing stairlifts can compromise the use of your stairway for those around you? Don’t be; stairlifts are narrow enough and customized to allow for others to safely and comfortably walk past. Talk to your mobility retailer to learn more about the versatility offered by the various manufacturers. Be cognizant though of safety tips that include teaching others- primarily children and pets- to leave the lift alone and never to use it as a toy. Foster good habits that include staying off the lift and keeping toys or belongings away from the device’s track.
Safety
The risk of injury for seniors is a very real concern that should be prevented at all costs. Falls are debilitating, often leading to chronic and life-long problems. Living situations that contain fall hazards, like steep steps or flooring issues, can be detrimental to the wellbeing and safety of seniors living there. Since the majority of senior falls occur in the home living environment, it is critical to adapt safety measures- including stairlifts- to reduce catastrophic falls and the repercussions.
In addition to mobility aids, consider issues surrounding lighting, flooring, carpets, and clutter to help create a safer home and curb the potential for a nasty fall.
Automation
The technology that modern stairlifts bring to the home is amazing. From a simple keypad, users can control and command their mobility devices to suit their needs. This automation at the touch of a finger brings a foreign functionality to the home for many, who may not be as tech -savvy as their younger peers. However, mobility manufacturers pair their technology with easy-to-use devices and remotes, so even a novice can easily adapt to controlling their stairlift independently, with ease.
Autonomy
stairlifts bring autonomy to the home- in fact, many might argue that this is the most important function of any mobility device. A sense of autonomy is far more than merely navigating the home- it is combatting the many age-related stigmas that can compromise independent living. Aging in place may not be viable for many due to health-related issues and needs; mobility aids like stairlifts make it feasible for others. Talk to your doctor, provider, or practitioner about the advantages of installing mobility aids, like stairlifts, in your home living environment: does it make sense? The ability to live independently according to your own preferences, pursuits, and predilections is worth the investment of devices and equipment that help make this possible… Isn’t it?
Thinking about a stairlift? If you live with physical limitations or disabilities, a stairlift can add many features and functionality to everyday living in your home environment. Before buying, make sure that you buy from a mobility aids vendor that provides impeccable service after the sale and support to ensure long-term satisfaction. This is why it makes sense to buy your stairlift from Pacific Mobility; the team at Pacific Mobility are waiting to enhance and improve your quality of life. Call or visit today.
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)
