Long-term conditions and ageing can affect the way you move. And your mobility problems can impact your confidence in getting around your home. You might need to adapt your home to restore your independence. If you’re unsure of where to begin, you can start by looking out for signs you need a stairlift.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS YOU NEED A STAIRLIFT
There are a number of factors that can contribute to problems with the stairs. But when is the right time to buy a stairlift? Here we highlight common signs to look out for if you think you might need a stairlift.
You have reduced mobility
If you find moving around your home difficult, it might be time to think about a stairlift. Especially if you experience aches and pains or muscular strains and feel out of breath when you move between floors. Find out more about the different conditions that can affect mobility in our ‘who needs a stairlift?‘ guide.
You worry about falling on the stairs
You might need a stairlift if you’re worried about tripping or falling as you climb or descend the stairs. This might be because you struggle to see individual steps. Or perhaps you feel dizzy or unsteady on your feet at times?
Your family worry
Listen to the people around you. Have your loved ones mentioned that they worry about you using the stairs? Then it could be time to buy a stairlift. And if you live alone, you can give your family a little extra peace of mind. Installing a stairlift means they won’t feel like they’re on call 24 hours a day.
You worry how you’ll manage in an emergency
Should you need to leave your home in a hurry in the middle of the night, could you do it quickly and safely? If the answer is no, then you might need a stairlift. In the event of an emergency, your stairlift would be ready to take you to safety. And you could get out of harm’s way in time and reduce the risk of injury.
You struggle to carry things on the stairs
Are you finding that you need both hands to pull yourself upstairs? Or do you feel unstable if you have to carry your laundry, or even a cup of tea, as you climb? Then having a stairlift fitted might help. You might also find that the upkeep of your upstairs rooms becomes another sign you need a stairlift. As you struggle to carry cleaning products and equipment upstairs, maintaining levels of housekeeping will be become harder.
You avoid making trips on the stairs
If quickly popping upstairs to grab a pair of socks is something you put off, then a stairlift could be the solution. Climbing the stairs can start to take so long, that it hardly feels worth the effort. You might find you save up tasks or delay things until the end of the day. This way you can reduce the number of trips you need to make on the stairs.
You need to take a rest
Climbing the stairs may feel like climbing a mountain at times. If you need to stop for a rest and catch your breath halfway up, then you’ve probably guessed it. You might want to arrange a stairlift survey. Stopping on a half-landing can be dangerous, and a stairlift will ensure you complete the journey in one continuous trip.
You’ve changed the way you climb the stairs
From sideways stepping to shuffling on your bottom, if you’re tackling the stairs in any way other than one foot in front of the other then a stairlift could be on the cards. Reduce the amount of effort it takes and improve your safety as you move between floors.
You’re helping someone else
No matter your age or ability, if you’re helping another person up and down the stairs, then a stairlift should make things easier for everyone. If the person you’re assisting trips or falls, it wouldn’t only cause them an injury but you as well. Keeps things safe as possible with a newly installed stairlift.
You’ve recently been discharged from hospital
After hospital discharge, you could be feeling frail or in pain. All of which will affect how you cope with the stairs. Should you expect to recover in a few weeks or months, then a temporary stairlift rental could be the option for you. If you’re likely to experience long-term weakness or chronic mobility issues, then buying a stairlift would be a more cost-effective option.
If you recognise any of the signs, give us a call. Our team can talk you through the different types of stairlifts to meet your needs. Call us on 0800 644 7766 for a FREE no-obligation quote today.
Neil is the founder of Halton Stairlifts. He has years of experience installing stairlifts across the UK. With an eagerness to help those with mobility issues get up the stairs, Neil understands how important it is for a seamless and straightforward approach to installing stairlifts to help those in need quickly.