There are many reasons why stairlifts are becoming a more-common staple seen in homes and businesses widely. Stairlifts appear to be growing in popularity as more and more people are choosing to age in place. Aging in place describes those seniors who want to remain in their own homes as long as possible, across their lifespan, and who need the residence to be accessible even in cases of physical disabilities or mobility issues.
More and more people are aging in place, due in part to mobility aids that have improved accessibility, safety, and quality of life. Additionally, mobility aids like stairlifts are more affordable, making them a viable option for a larger population of consumers widely. For those people who want to age in place, a stairlift can be life-changing.
Here are a few more reasons why stairlifts are growing in popularity and why you should consider one!
- A compelling reason to consider a stairlift is to aid in reducing the risk of falls. Stairs, steps, and risers can be tricky. They can also be to blame for a nasty fall and subsequent injuries. Many seniors who fall never fully recover, and your chance of taking a spill doubles after age 65.
- Anyone who has taken a fall or been hurt on stairs may experience fear and anxiety surrounding steps and staircases in the future. A stairlift can alleviate stress and worry while providing a safe transfer up and down your stairs.
- Mobility equipment, like stairlifts, can provide invaluable peace of mind for your loved ones, caregivers, and providers. Your risk of a stumble and potential injury decreases when mobility aids are in place.
- Stairlifts offer access to upper levels and areas of home environments, many of which were previously inaccessible and prohibitive. This leads to increased enjoyment of the home, in addition to the convenience that access brings.
- Those that have conceded to live on the ground levels of their home can access and live upstairs, downstairs, or wherever the stairlift permits. This brings ease and comfort to the user.
- Another reason why stairlifts are becoming more popular is the sheer comfort that they provide. Sure, the padded seat and safety belt are comfortable and designed to fit, but the ride is smooth and quiet, too.
- No more stress and strain of ascending or descending stairs and steps in the home. Conserve your energy for more vital tasks.
- Stairlifts are easy to operate and fast to adapt to. The qualified installer and/or technician will demonstrate proper use, field questions, and provide instruction for users. Plus, when you buy your lift from a reputable vendor, they will offer a level of support and service after the sale, so you will never be left out of commission.
- Stairlifts are fast becoming a viable option for people with vision impairment, chronic pain, neuropathy, endurance or stamina issues, and arthritis, as well as other degenerative conditions. Suffer from vertigo? Stairlifts offer a safe alternative to stairs for those experiencing dizziness or loss of coordination and balance.
- Did you know that stairlifts are often used as a temporary solution for those injured or in physical therapy? Stairlifts provide a therapeutic way to rehabilitate after surgery or injury, ensuring you don’t fall on stairs during recovery. If you may benefit from a temporary stairlift, talk to your medical provider to learn more!
- Stairlifts are often covered by insurance policies. Discuss and refer to your own insurance carrier to find out if it is an option for you.
- Hospice and palliative care often recommend stairlifts for their patients, depending on their living situation and medical needs. This is an option that can be discussed with the care provider when setting up care in the home or talking with a hospital social worker or case manager.
- There may be an opportunity to rent or lease a stairlift as a temporary solution to accessibility. This could be useful if you have visitors coming with physical limitations or if you are planning to spend time in a second home.
- Another contributing factor to the popularity of stairlifts is the convenience offered to non-lift users. That is, contemporary stairlifts do not encroach on the space needed for others to use the stairs. They are slim and sleek, with a seat that folds so there is a wide berth on the stairway or steps.
- A stairlift can reinstate independence for a senior that wants to live in their own home, on their own terms. Mobility aids bring a sense of freedom- which is reason enough to look closer at stairlifts.
Want to know more about a stairlift in your home, dwelling, or business? It is more pragmatic and cost-effective than you might think! Come and talk to the team at Pacific Mobility; they have experience providing stairlifts to families for generations. We can show you the latest high-quality mobility aids and equipment to make your home more accessible.
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)