Stair lifts are mechanical devices that help people with mobility problems to move up and down stairs within the home. They are usually installed on a staircase and consist of a chair or platform that moves along a rail attached to the staircase. They are an excellent solution for seniors who have difficulty moving up stairs independently. But how do you know if a senior needs a stair lift? Let’s explore this topic in more detail.
Immobile seniors
If a senior can only get around with the help of a wheelchair and there are stairs in the house there are only two options – have a stair lift installed or change the layout of the home so that the senior does not have to use the stairs. However sometimes a person may be mobile but not have a stable enough gait to move safely up stairs. That’s when the decision-making gets a bit more complicated.
What should we think about when making decisions?
The main factor to consider is whether the senior has difficulty moving up stairs. This can be due to a variety of causes – arthritis, knee or hip pain or muscle weakness. If you notice that a senior is having difficulty climbing stairs or is experiencing pain when doing so it may be time to consider a stair lift.
Stairs are a hazard
It is also important to consider the risk of falling. Falls are a significant problem for seniors and stairs can be especially dangerous. If a senior has fallen on stairs in the past or if you feel they are at risk of falling a stair lift can help reduce this risk. You should also take into account the overall health and mobility of the senior.
Don’t forget about progressive diseases
If he has a disease that is likely to get progressively worse over time for example Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis a stair lift may become a necessity in the future. By installing it earlier you can help your senior maintain their independence and reduce the risk of injury.
It is also important to consider the layout of the house. If a senior spends most of his or her time on the upper floors of the house a stair lift can be a valuable investment. In addition if a senior has limited mobility and is wheelchair-bound the lift will make it easier for them to move between floors without assistance.
Change the layout of the household
If for some reason a stair lift is not possible in the home the second best solution is to change the layout of the home. If a senior’s bedroom bathroom and living room are on the ground floor of the house he or she does not need to use the stairs. The disadvantage of rearranging is that even if a senior has everything they need on one floor they may choose to take the stairs. Therefore it is very important to explain to him that he should not use the stairs. If he suffers Dementia or Alzheimer’s, it might even be best to find a way to block access to the stairs.
I can’t decide whether to get a stair lift
Even if you have all the information you need, it is not easy to make the right decision. In this case it is best to contact the experts. With fifteen years of experience in the nursing field we in Atena can help you to make the right decision.
Stairlifts are not cheap – average prices are around €3,500 and in some situations can be more expensive. However we can find out if the country you live in provides financial assistance for the installation of stair lifts. And most importantly Atena will help you find the ideal caregiver for your loved one if they can no longer look after themselves.
