As we age, our mobility needs can change. Tasks that were once easy, like climbing the stairs, may become more challenging. If you or a loved one are having difficulty navigating the stairs at home, it might be time to consider installing a residential stairlift. At Mobility123, we understand how important it is to maintain your independence and stay safe in your own home. In this post, we’ll explore some of the key signs that it’s time to invest in a stairlift.
What is a Stairlift?
Before we dive into when you should consider a stairlift, let’s take a quick look at what this mobility device is and how it works. A stairlift is a motorized chair that travels along a rail mounted to your staircase. The user simply sits in the chair or on the platform, buckles the safety belt, and uses the controls to glide up or down the stairs. Stairlifts provide a safe and convenient way for people with mobility limitations to access all levels of their home.
Stairlifts do more than just provide a functional way to get up and down the stairs – they offer a renewed sense of freedom and independence. By allowing you to easily access your entire home again, a stairlift can greatly improve your quality of life. You’ll be able to move about your house with confidence, without worrying about the risks or difficulties posed by the stairs.
Signs You May Need a Stairlift
So how do you know if it’s the right time to get a stairlift? Here are a few key indicators to watch for:
1. Climbing the stairs takes a long time
Do you find yourself taking longer and longer to go up and down the stairs? This is a common issue as we age, largely due to sarcopenia – the gradual loss of muscle tissue. Sarcopenia causes our muscles to become weaker, making it more difficult and tiring to climb stairs. You might notice yourself relying heavily on the handrail, taking frequent breaks, or getting out of breath by the time you reach the top.
Weakened muscles have to work much harder to lift your body up each step, which is why climbing the stairs can leave you feeling so fatigued and take such a long time. And the less active you are, the more this muscle deterioration progresses. It becomes a vicious cycle. A stairlift breaks that cycle by getting you up and down the stairs quickly and easily, without overtaxing your muscles.
2. You experience pain in your joints
Joint pain is another common issue that can make navigating stairs difficult and uncomfortable. Conditions like arthritis and tendonitis cause inflammation, stiffness and aching in the joints. Simply put, the repeated bending and impact of climbing stairs can really exacerbate joint pain.
Every step puts added stress on already painful, inflamed joints – particularly the knees, ankles and hips which bear the brunt of your body weight. Using a stairlift takes the pressure off of your sore joints and allows you to get up and down the stairs without pain slowing you down.
3. You feel drained after using the stairs
Even if joint pain isn’t a major issue for you, climbing the stairs can still leave you feeling completely worn out. Fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness and lightheadedness after using the stairs are all signs that your body is struggling with the exertion required.
This type of overexertion puts you at risk of falls too, as exhaustion affects balance and coordination. If you need to sit down and rest for several minutes after each trip up or down the stairs, it’s a sign that a stairlift would be a wise investment in your safety and energy levels.
4. Your balance isn’t what it used to be
Do you feel uneasy or unsteady on your feet when using the stairs? Problems with balance are a major red flag that your safety is at risk. Feeling like you have to hold tightly to the railing, getting dizzy, or even tripping or stumbling a little – these are all indications that you may need some extra help navigating the stairs.
Balance problems have many potential causes, from age-related changes to conditions like arthritis, Parkinson’s, or stroke. Impaired vision, tremors, inner ear problems and certain medications can also affect balance. Whatever the underlying reason, the unsteadiness puts you at a much higher risk of dangerous falls. A stairlift provides stability and support so you can use the stairs without the risk of losing your balance.
Stairlift Installation with Mobility123
If any of the above signs hit home for you, we encourage you to take the next step and explore stairlift options. At Mobility123, we offer a range of top-quality stairlifts to fit any home and budget. We’ll work with you to find the perfect solution for your unique needs and lifestyle.
The first step is a free consultation, where we visit your home (virtual options available), assess your stairs and discuss your mobility goals. We’ll take detailed measurements to ensure a precise, custom fit. Our expert technicians can install a stairlift on virtually any residential staircase – straight, curved, narrow, you name it.
We offer both new and reconditioned lifts, as well as rental options, so you can choose what makes the most sense for your situation. All of our stairlifts are built to the highest standards of quality, safety and reliability. Plus, they’re simple to use and don’t require any modifications to your home.
While stairlifts are an excellent solution for most, there are a few limitations to be aware of. Very narrow stairs may not accommodate a lift. The staircase must be structurally sound. And regular maintenance is needed to keep the lift in safe working order. We’ll go over all the details during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
Take the First Step Today
We know it isn’t always easy to admit you need help. But investing in a stairlift isn’t about giving up your independence – it’s actually a way to maintain it. With a stairlift, you can continue to safely and comfortably access all areas of your home for years to come.
You don’t have to let mobility limitations control your life. If climbing the stairs has become a slow, painful or precarious process for you, give us a call at Mobility123 today. We’re here to guide you to the best solution so you can stay independent and worry-free in the home you love. Let’s take the first step together.
