According to an AARP study in 2014, 87 percent of adults aged 65+ wanted to stay in their current home or community as they grow older. But as we grow older (or experience injury), mobility issues and other medical concerns become more apparent. Suddenly stairs are not as easy to travel and we are not as physically strong as we once were.
For those wanting to age in place or recover from a serious illness or injury at home, stairlifts are a convenient way to allow those with mobility or recovery concerns to stay at home and maintain their independence and freedom. But the process of selecting one can be a bit overwhelming, so knowing what to look for based on your needs, concerns, budget, and home is key.
Why Should I Buy A Stairlift?
Life happens fast. One day everything is fine but one misstep or serious medical issue leaves you or a loved one needing serious care. But before you know it, the doctors are discharging you to go home, even though you’re strong enough to return to daily activities. The problem? The bedroom and bathroom are on the second level, making it unrealistic to stay at home to complete rehab and recovery.
And unfortunately, long-term physical therapy units are expensive, not often covered by insurance, and sometimes even have a waitlist. Plus, who wants to stay somewhere for weeks or months when they could be in the comfort of their home and have a stairlift installed in a day?
As we age, climbing the stairs to the bedroom or even while holding the laundry basket isn’t as easy as it once was. Having a stairlift means you don’t have to worry about accessing all floors of your home safely. Stairlifts give you back your independence and freedom right in the comfort of your home.
Choose The Right Stairlift For Your Home
Purchasing a stairlift is an investment, so knowing how to find the best one for your needs is important. First, think about the staircase in your home. Is it curved with multiple landings and turns? You may worry a windy staircase means a stairlift is out of the question, but don’t worry. These types of staircases just need a custom-made curved stairlift best handled by an expert team to ensure your or your loved one’s safety. For example, lifts like the Bespoke Infinity Curved Stairlift can easily and safely navigate around curves and landings with ease.
Stairlift Safety Features
If you are looking to purchase a stairlift for safety and mobility concerns, then the product’s safety features should be a major consideration.
If your home frequently loses power during storms, look for a battery-operated lift, like the Savaria Stairfriend Curved Stairlift or the Pinnacle SL300 Stairlift, that can provide trips up and down the stairs even during power outages.
Even the smallest of features can have a big impact. Look at the safety harnesses and belts. Are they easy to clasp or retractable? Do the foot and headrests have anti-slip material? Can the seat swivel and lock at the top or bottom of a landing so the rider can safely enter and exit the lift?
Take time to think about what features are important to you given your unique situation and needs. A stairlift should bring you years of happiness and a sense of autonomy, so don’t compromise on what you want!
Here at Right Now Mobility, we know the importance of having freedom in mobility to easily access to all levels of their homes. We offer a wide variety of stairlifts, including ones designed for curved or narrow staircases, to fit everyone’s lifestyle, needs and budget.
Schedule A Free Consultation Today
Call or text 888-381-5820 for your free consultation either via the phone, virtually via your computer, or in person with a friendly member of our team to discuss your needs and learn more about our mobility solutions. Check out our Google reviews and you’ll see we will help you find the stairlift for your specific needs and budget. Best of all, in most cases, we can install it within one business day! To stay up-to-date about mobility healthcare, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn!
Source of content: https://www.rightnowmobility.com/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-stairlift/
