Signs it’s Time to Get a Stairlift

Sometimes it can be difficult to know for certain whether you or a loved one need a stairlift to get around the home. Depending on the nature of a person’s condition, it’s possible for their lack of mobility to develop slowly. When this happens, it’s not always easy to determine when it’s time to install a new stairlift.

 

Do you find yourself in this position? If so, keep the following points in mind. They demonstrate some of the key reasons it may be time to install a stairlift for yourself or a family member. That said, even if these points don’t apply, upgrading to a stairlift may still be the right choice. Speak with a physician and related experts to make sure you’re making the right decision.

 

Stair Avoidance 

A person in need of a stairlift may avoid taking the stairs whenever possible. However, this isn’t always obvious. Sometimes they are able to make an excuse to justify why they aren’t using the stairs on a particular occasion. They may claim to be tired, or they might claim they don’t need to access the part of the house the stairs lead to. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to these early warning signs. They aren’t always easy to identify right away.

 

Previous Injuries 

A person who has previously been injured as a result of a trip or fall, particularly if the person is in their old age, could benefit from a home stairlift. This is true even if their injury did not occur on or near stairs. 

As people age, their ability to maintain strong balance typically declines. That’s why older people are more prone than others to slips and falls. The presence of a stairlift helps to mitigate the risks they face.

 

Struggling with Stairs 

People who need stairlifts don’t always avoid using the stairs. Sometimes they attempt to ascend or descend them, even if they aren’t physically able to do so easily. However, they also tend to struggle when doing so. They may take excessive care when moving to the next step, run out of breath, or both. This is another major sign they could benefit from using a stairlift.

 

Poor Housekeeping on One Level 

If a loved one needs a stairlift, you may not always have the time to monitor their condition regularly. It’s possible you’ll need to look for subtle clues indicating a problem. For instance, if you’re visiting an aging parent who is known for keeping a clean house, look to see if any particular level of the home appears to have been neglected in recent weeks or months. They may not have cleaned it because they are struggling with stairs. 

Installing a stairlift may be the right idea in all of these situations. Our team at Alfix Stairlifts will supply you or your loved one with a reliable unit that makes life much easier. To learn more about what we can do, contact us online.