4 Reasons You Should Install a Stairlift in Your Home

As people age, it is necessary to make accommodations and changes to their homes to allow for aging in place. Many people will lose flexibility and mobility in their later years, meaning moving around their homes will not be too easy without modifications. One of the most beneficial home repairs for seniors is a stairlift.

A stairlift, also called a chairlift, is essentially a chair on a rail that allows an individual to go up and down the stairs with mechanical assistance. A person only needs to sit and strap into the seat and press a button to go up or down. The beauty is most designs do not require structural changes to the home and can be installed within a day. There are at least four reasons you might consider buying a stairlift.

1. Safety

The primary reason to have a stairlift installed is for safety. When people age, they may not be as sure-footed as they once were, meaning it is easier for them to trip and fall, especially when going up and down the stairs. A tumble down the stairs can be catastrophic and life-threatening. A stairlift eliminates such concerns.

The design of a lift allows for easy and safe entry. The chair attached to the lift will often have a seat buckle to secure the passenger for transport up or down the stairs. While the ride up or down might not be as fast as someone can walk the stairs, it is undeniably safer for those with mobility and balance issues.

2. Independence

Many senior citizens fear the loss of their independence, and the inability to travel the floors of their homes alone represents a significant loss of their freedom. The restriction can lead to depression. Thankfully, a stairlift can replenish feelings of independence and confidence.

A stairlift means a senior can navigate the entirety of their house without assistance. It also means they might prolong their independence for several years. While every senior is different, and their challenges will vary, a stairlift does go a long way in offering sustained mobility and independence.

3. Comfort

As seniors lose mobility, they often have to invite strangers into their homes to help care for them. A stairlift can prevent the need for such assistance. For example, if a senior lives in a two-story home with only one bathroom located on the second level, it might be impossible for them to live alone or even stay in their home without assistance. A stairlift mitigates these concerns, meaning a senior can remain in the comfort of their home without fear of moving or the inconvenience of strangers.

4. Ease of Mind

While a senior’s family only wants what’s best for their loved one, it can often go against what the individual wants. For example, a family member might want the senior to have a live-in companion, but the elderly individual wants to maintain his or her independence. 

A stairlift will not solve every situation, but it does provide some ease of mind. A family no longer has to fear for the safety of their loved ones walking from one level of their home to the next. With the installation of a stairlift, many of the worries about falling or tumbling down the stairs will disappear.

Are you interested in the installation of a stairlift for you or a family member? If so, you will want to use a licensed and insured contractor, one with enough experience and a solid reputation. If you want to work with one of the most trusted repair services in Scarborough, contact a representative from Handyman Connection, a trusted resource in all things home repair.