Stairlifts for Parents
As we grow up, witnessing our parents age can be one of the most challenging aspects. With more elderly individuals choosing to age in place, they may realize that their home is no longer as accessible as it used to be.
Mobility concerns can be distressing, particularly if there’s no one at home to provide supervision. That’s why installing a stairlift in your parents’ home can be incredibly beneficial. Not only will it boost their confidence in accomplishing daily tasks, but it will also help them regain a sense of independence, accompanied by a host of other advantages that simplify the lives of older individuals.
Whether it’s a steep, narrow staircase or one with a slight curve, there is a stairlift solution to fit everyone’s needs. If you’re unsure whether a stairlift could benefit your parents, you might have some questions. To put your mind at ease, this guide provides essential information, such as the cost of stairlifts in the UK and how to schedule a visit. Keep reading to learn more.
How do you transport an old person up the stairs?
Diagnosing the accessibility issues of a house can be challenging, given that each home is unique. However, ensuring that your parents can move around their residence safely and independently is crucial. While there are several ways to transport an elderly person up the stairs, the safest option is a stairlift. Not only are they securely fixed to the wall, but the inclusion of a seatbelt ensures safe ascents and descents without the risk of falls. The swivel or perch seat can be adjusted to their comfort level, while armrests provide additional stability during their journey.
A stairlift’s ability to allow safe movement up and down the stairs is invaluable for both you and your parents. Stairlifts come in various specifications, ranging from curved and straight to narrow models
How can I help my older parents stay in their home?
Thanks to technological advancements, installing a stairlift in your parents’ home has become a fast and straightforward process, especially with the assistance of Handicare’s skilled engineers. Previously, older individuals may have opted to downsize or relocate to assisted care facilities. However, today there are a wide range of options that can help your parents maintain their happiness and independence in their own home
How do I modify a two-story house for my aging parents?
If your parents are considering staying in a two-story house, it is crucial to identify any areas where they may encounter mobility issues. Maneuvering around the kitchen, using the bathroom, and navigating the stairs are some of the significant challenges that your loved ones may face when left unsupervised. Therefore, finding solutions is imperative. While making your parents’ home more accessible may seem expensive initially, there are various options to explore.
Choosing the right equipment for getting up and down stairs can be challenging, particularly if you are unsure which option is best for your parents. While a customized stairlift solution ensures a perfect fit, reconditioned stairlifts are also an excellent choice. In fact, buying a used stairlift is a more cost-effective option than downsizing. Purchasing from a reputable source ensures that the equipment is in working order and meets the same safety standards as a new model, guaranteeing that each journey on your parents’ straight stairlift is safe. Check out the range of grants and free funding available to assist with stairlift expenses, providing a solution when seeking to modify your parents’ two-story house.
Before investing in a stairlift, it is crucial to have a discussion with your parents regarding their accessibility challenges. It can be challenging for some individuals to admit that they may require extra help around the house, especially if they are accustomed to being independent. Therefore, it is vital to approach the topic sensitively.
What are good ways of making stairs safer?
There are various ways to improve the safety of your parents’ stairs, and installing a stairlift is just one of them. Simple modifications can make a significant difference, and they’re often affordable.
Firstly, good lighting is crucial around the staircase area. As people age, their eyesight may decline, so proper lighting reduces the risk of falls. Adequate overhead lighting and accessible light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs are essential. LED lighting strips attached to each step can also provide better illumination and help your parents identify each tread’s depth, minimizing tripping hazards.
In addition to highlighting each step, alterations can be made to make it easier for your parents to navigate them. Open-back steps can cause older people to catch their toes, so adding a face to each step can prevent this and make it easier to identify their depth. Carpeting the stairs is also a great way to add friction between the foot and step, minimizing slipping hazards. Finally, two handrails, placed at a comfortable height and in line with elbows, can significantly improve balance and support.