As the body ages, it naturally begins to slow down. Tasks that were once easy, such as riding a bike or climbing the stairs, become difficult and painful. Many seniors suffer from arthritis and other joint degeneration that turns stairs into impossible obstacles. Stair lifts solve this problem by providing an easy, safe way to get up and down stairs without having to hire outside help.
Stair lifts provide independence that can help keep seniors living in their own homes, rather than moving into elderly care centers. The benefits of well-designed stair lifts make them more than worth the investment.
Statistics show that stairs are among the greatest causes of falls among seniors. The potential for a fall is especially serious as people grow older because the sense of balance tends to worsen with age. In addition to protecting your health, stair lifts can reduce wear and tear on aging joints, keeping you mobile for longer.
Most stair lifts attach onto an existing staircase, which means they are easy to install, and they tend to be relatively affordable. Take into account the cost of medical treatment after a fall -- not to mention the pain and potential for permanent disability or even death -- and stair lifts become a very worthwhile investment.
Most stair lifts bring their occupants up the stairs in a simple chair that has controls attached. This is a good option for most, but it isn't a good choice for those confined to wheelchairs. Luckily, there are stair lifts designed specifically for wheelchairs.
It is always best to test out a stair lift before buying. Make sure that the controls are easy to operate. For people with limited hand mobility, complicated controls can be painful as well as difficult to use. Choose a stair lift with a simple control, such as an arm-mounted stick.
Another important feature to look for is motor strength. Weak motors will wear out quickly and struggle with heavier users. Stair lifts typically come with information about the maximum weight they support. Don't take this figure lightly -- make sure the weight rating is heavier than the user's actual weight. There are a number of stair lifts designed for heavier individuals.