Stairlifts are gradually becoming more and more popular in multi-level homes, but who should consider investing in one in the first place?
You might already believe that you do or don’t need a stairlift in your house, but before arriving at a conclusion you should really think about it. Although Stairlifts are quite costly, you stand to gain a lot from them. If investing in one will solve the mobility challenge you’re facing, consider these factors.
Negative Factors that Accompany Aging
As you advance in age, your body will change and your mobility will become more and more limited. The severity of these changes will vary from one person to another, so not every senior will need a stairlift to access the different floors of their home.
Signs that You Might Need a Stairlift
Those Around You Growing Concerned About How You Will Get Around the House
Maybe your eyesight is diminishing, you’re facing other mobility challenges, or you have experienced a fall or accident in the recent past. In any event, if you find yourself in a situation where those around you are questioning your ability to navigate a staircase, it might be necessary to consider a stairlift.
You Can No Longer Use a Staircase
You might find that you can no longer walk up or down a flight of stairs without having to bend, turn, or even go on all fours. If this is the case, start shopping for a stairlift.
Using a Staircase Leaves You with No Energy
This is likely to occur due to an underlying condition, such as heart disease, being overweight, arthritis, or a similar chronic condition. If using the stairs makes you tired for a long period of time, you should consider getting a stairlift. That way, you can conserve that energy for other activities that enhance your independence.
You Most Likely Need a Stairlift If…
You Have Mobility Challenges
Anyone with mobility challenges should consider buying and installing a stairlift in their home. This includes people who are recovering from injuries or are dealing with diseases that affect their mobility. This also includes the elderly who need a walking stick to walk.
If your mobility will only be an issue for a short period of time, you might consider moving to a bungalow until you are recovered. In this case, compare costs and the convenience offered by both and see which works best for you.
Remember that stairlifts work best for people who can walk with the help of, at least, a walking stick. As a result, if you use a wheelchair, a vertical platform lift might be more ideal for your mobility needs.
You Have Underlying Chronic Conditions
Stairlifts offer a host of benefits and may help improve the health of the user. For example, as previously mentioned, a person suffering from a heart condition will benefit from not having to go up and down the stairs and running out of breath.
Chronic conditions that may compel one to buy a stairlift include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. These inflammatory conditions affect the joints and limit mobility. Both are very painful, and the pain may be aggravated by going up or down a staircase.
If you know that you have such a condition, it is advisable that you get a stairlift even if you do not have an apparent mobility challenge.