If you have elderly parents under your roof or living independently, you probably find yourself wondering how to ensure their safety. Of all the risks seniors face while aging, falling is one of the worst. According to the Center for Disease Control, 2 out of 5 falls lead to serious injury, including broken bones or serious head injuries. The CDC also says that falls are the primary cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among people aged 65 and older. Even when the consequences are not fatal, they greatly affect the quality of life of our seniors, and the resulting injuries often restrict their ability to live independently.

While safe ‘aging in place’ depends on many factors, simple steps can reduce the risk of in-home accidents. One example would be an anti-skid doormat; simple but very effective. When getting up and down stairs are the biggest challenge, stairlifts are the answer.

What is an Electric Stair Lift?

A stair lift is a motorized lifting device that runs along a stair-mounted rail or track. They were first introduced in the 1930’s. A stair lift goes up and down with the touch of a button or the flick of a switch. It can smoothly take the user up or down the stairs in safety and comfort. Stairlifts are additionally referred to as stair lifts, stair-lifts, chair lifts, or stair gliders.

Stairlifts are recommended for anyone facing mobility issues who needs to get up and down a staircase.

What are the Steps to Safer Stairs?

Growing older means being extra careful and that begins with getting up and down the stairs safely. However, one should not be afraid of their staircase despite their hindrances. When you fear or dread the thought of going up and down the stairs, it may be time to call in the experts at Affordable Medical Equipment and Mobility Solutions.

A stairlift is an exceptional tool to help seniors live powerfully and independently. From restoring access to your full home to bringing a great sense of fulfilment, a stairlift can assist you enjoying the pleasure of life in the home you love. Stan said he was “very impressed with the stairlift. It has made my mother's life better by 100%.”

Choosing the Right Stair Lift

There are plenty of designs and models of stairlifts. When it comes to finding the perfect one from among different stairlift design options, there are basic questions to consider:

  • Consider the type of stairway you have. Is it curved, straight, wide or narrow?
  • Are you able to move on and off the stair lift unassisted?
  • What is your budget to install a stairlift? Are in-home modifications necessary?
  • Does the manufacture have a good track record?
  • Does the local vendor have a good reputation for follow-up and service?

Depending on your preferences and specific mobility impairment, you can choose between a straight track stair lift, a standing lift or a curved stair lift.

Why Handicare is the Best Choice

We find that Handicare offers the best stairlift solution on the market. Consumer Affairs rates Handicare as one of the “top ten stairlift companies,” giving them 4.7 stars out of 5. ConsumerAdvocate.org rated Handicare as one of the “best stairlifts on the market today.” The Handicare 1100 has multiple motor redundancies so you will never be left on the stairs because a motor goes out.

The Handicare 1100 has a multi-drive friction system that ensures your stairlift is operating at peak levels at all times with no reduction in performance ever. Traditional stairlifts are rack and pinion systems and are more prone to malfunction or breakage.

We recently installed a Handicare 1100 for Christine B and she told us, “<I> love my new Handicare stairlift; especially the power seat.”

Ultimately, every situation is different and you will have to decide what is best for you and your family. Affordable Medical Equipment has been in the industry for 14 years; has the experience and expertise to enable you to age with grace and safety. If you think that a stairlift might be the good choice for you, make Affordable Medical Equipment your first call or even better, stop by and meet everyone.