Does your aging loved one have stairs in their home that are preventing them from having full access to their residence? Perhaps they feel frail or disoriented at times, or maybe your senior has had knee replacements or other surgeries that has made climbing those stairways difficult – and dangerous. If you have such concerns, read on to discover the advantages of stair lifts and what features to consider when investing in one.
Advantages of Chair Lifts for Seniors
1. Independence in the Home
- Seniors with mobility challenges may have trouble leaving their home at all, so it can make them feel extremely trapped if they don’t have the freedom to even explore their entire abode. Stair chair lifts can help them feel more independent.
- Chair Lifts allow seniors and others with physical issues move quickly and easily between floors.
- Increased freedom within the home is likely to provide seniors with a tremendous sense of emotional relief – a vital aspect of happiness.
2. Caregiver Stress Reduction – Moving seniors up and down stairways can be trying on caregivers, and no doubt it can be dangerous for both parties. Statistics cite falling on stairs as the number on cause of injury to seniors, and this is not a statistic any senior or their caregiver wants to become part of. Therefore, both caregivers and your loved one will reap the benefits of a chair lift on stairs.
3. Seniors Can Stay in the Home They Love – Too often, seniors feel pressure or are forced to move out of their home because of mobility issues with stairways. However, these lifts can eliminate such a need, allowing seniors to remain where they are most comfortable longer – their beloved home.
Consider These Features When Purchasing a Chair Lift for Stairs
Today’s chair lifts boast a variety of features that can serve your seniors needs. Here are a few of the most modern innovations that you may want to consider when investigating these devices.
Standing Lifts: These allow seniors the option to ride standing or sitting, and these are ideal for seniors with problems bending their knees and for placement in narrow stairwells.
Exterior Package: Some models may be utilized outdoors to permit access to elevated patios or garage apartments. Additional tracks are required, and you must keep rain and snow hazards in mind when opting for these types of chair lifts.
Hand Held Pendant Controls: Similar to medical alert devices, these chairs can be activated with a pendant that can be used by your loved one and their caregiver for the ultimate in accessibility.
Keyed Access: This allows the chair to be operated only when the key is inserted. This feature is ideal if young children are frequent visitors who may be tempted to play on the chair lift.
Weight and Height Capacity: Seniors over 6 feet tall might benefit from deeper seat options, and those over 300 pounds will want to consider seats with additional width. These features are available on most chair lift models today.
If helping your beloved senior maintain their freedom, independence, and security within the home is a priority, consider installing a chair lift on their stairways to bring everyone more peace of mind.