Signs that it may be time to install a stairlift

It can be difficult to decide when the right time is to commit to a stairlift but there are some familiar signs that mean it could be time to adapt your home to restore your independence.

Loss of mobility around the home is very common and there’s many reasons why this happens, from general ageing to acute or chronic health conditions. With this loss of mobility also comes a loss of independence and confidence, a property can soon start to feel very small when you’re limited to just the downstairs or if the thought of tackling the stairs seems too much.

Although the loss of mobility may be apparent, it’s not always easy to know when you should commit to a home adaptation such as a stairlift – the misconception with such equipment is often negative however the reality is far different as it gives many home owners their confidence back allowing them to carrying on living independently.

If you’re unsure if you need a stairlift, you can start by looking out for these signs:

You’re worried about falling on the stairs
If the thought of going up or down the stairs is worrying you and is often on your mind it could be an indication that you need to take action.

Family worries
Have your family voiced their concern about your mobility or your safety when using the stairs? Often family members can look at a situation with a less biased view so it makes sense to listen to their concerns.

Can you manage in an emergency?
Can you get up or down your stairs at a reasonable speed should an emergency occur? If the answer is no, you should seriously consider a stairlift. In the event of an emergency, a stairlift would be ready to take you to safety and out of harm’s way.

You avoid the stairs
Do you find yourself avoiding the stairs? Perhaps you’ve moved yourself in to a downstairs room instead of your usual bedroom or climbing the stairs can start to take so long that it hardly feels worth the effort. These are all good indicators that a stairlift is a sensible option for your situation.

The way you climb the stairs has changed
When stairs become hard to manage many people change the way they climb them. From sideways stepping to shuffling on your bottom, the only safe way you should climb the stairs is one foot in front of the other.

You need assistance climbing the stairs
If you need help to get up and down the stairs it could be time to think about a stairlift. The strain on not only yourself but the person(s) giving the assistance could lead to further troubles if not done so properly.

You’ve recently been discharged from hospital
After hospital discharge, frailty or pain could affect how you cope with the stairs. Should you expect to recover in a few weeks or months, then a stairlift hire could be sensible or if you’re likely to experience long term issues then buying a stairlift would be a more cost-effective option.

Do any of these signs sound familiar? If so, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a friendly, no pressure chat about your current situation. We are a family run business and have been established for over 35 years, trading from our Woodseats showroom.

We offer stairlifts and stairlift services to Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham. Chesterfield, Peak District Derby, Mansfield & Nottingham.