{"id":2285,"date":"2022-01-12T09:32:35","date_gmt":"2022-01-12T09:32:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stannah.co.il\/en-il\/?p=2285"},"modified":"2023-03-06T13:00:41","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T13:00:41","slug":"aging-in-place-what-to-do-if-stairs-have-become-a-problem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stannah.co.il\/en-il\/resources\/aging-in-place-what-to-do-if-stairs-have-become-a-problem\/","title":{"rendered":"Ageing in Place: What to Do if Stairs Have Become a Problem"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite diverse backgrounds and varying income levels, seniors across the country, and around the world, are attempting to solve the problem of ageing in place. In case you\u2019re unfamiliar with the term, aging in place can be defined as, \u201cThe ability to live in one\u2019s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.\u201d After spending years building memories in their family homes, many Americans are rejecting the idea that they must give up their residence, simply because they\u2019re getting older. If you own your home, you may already be thinking about how you can stay there long-term, while maintaining your independence. But, living independently at an advanced age isn\u2019t without its challenges, and it\u2019s important for seniors to plan ahead.<\/p>\n

Evaluating mobility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The first step is to assess your physical limitations and evaluate how these might impact your daily routine as you age. Are you able to carry things up and downstairs? Do you require a hand-rail? Can you walk across a flat area for more than 200 yards without help? Honest self-evaluation is critical here, as a realistic understanding of your mobility will lead to a better plan moving forward. It\u2019s also important to recognize that mobility can change over time and tasks that are easy today, could become difficult tomorrow. While\u00a0ageing in place\u00a0depends on many factors, something as simple as having the proper footwear can reduce the risk of in-home accidents. Other small additions, like a few well-placed grab bars or a sturdy shower chair, are an instant upgrade to the safety of your home. However, when stairs are a problem, things can quickly become more complicated.<\/p>\n

What to do about the stairs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Many of us remember scampering downstairs on Christmas morning or barrelling up the stairs, two at a time, as a teenager. Unfortunately, growing older means having to be more careful and that starts with getting safely downstairs in the morning and back up to bed at night. However, there are trips to be made throughout the day, and no one should be afraid of their staircase. Planning your day around the stairs (coming down in the morning and avoiding going back up until it\u2019s time for bed) is a telltale sign that it\u2019s time to consider making a change. While there are numerous solutions, a\u00a0stairlift\u00a0<\/a>is a great tool to help seniors live safely and maintain independence at home. From restoring access to the upstairs and enabling full use of your home, to making everyday activities easier and allowing for more social opportunities, a stairlift can assist you in enjoying life in the home you love.<\/p>\n

Moving: a difficult decision<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the principal benefits of choosing a stairlift<\/a> is the elegant simplicity of the solution. Instead of giving up your home and dealing with the complexities of a full-scale move, you can simply resolve the issue of the stairs and keep the rest of your home the way it is.\u00a0Moving\u00a0costs\u00a0can be expensive, especially if you\u2019re choosing to move to an assisted living facility. More often than not, the new living space is significantly smaller, leading to difficult decisions about what can be kept and what must be left behind. With a stairlift, you can hang on to your prized possessions and proudly display them throughout your home.<\/p>\n

Two-story life, single-story living<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Another option that\u2019s often considered is\u00a0moving your bedroom to the first floor. While ostensibly a practical decision, single-story living is not very convenient if you frequently have guests or visitors. Whether you\u2019re renting or own your home, you\u2019re paying for it in full; so, why cram your life into a half-sized living space? Other major remodelling options, like installing a residential lift, sound good on paper but are difficult to fit into an average family\u2019s budget.<\/p>\n

Physical energy: a key consideration<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Price<\/a>, space and practicality are all important considerations when deciding on the best way to\u00a0age in place. However, physical energy is an often-overlooked commodity. Everyday tasks, like bringing laundry or groceries upstairs, are made easier with a stairlift. Since you can operate it remotely, the stairlift can easily function as a dumbwaiter, saving countless trips up and down the stairs and leaving you with the energy you need to do the things that you enjoy.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, every situation is different and you\u2019ll have to decide what the right choice is for you and your family. Stannah has been in business for over 150 years and has the experience and expertise to enable you to age in place safely. If you think that a stairlift might be a practical option for you, you can\u00a0contact Stannah<\/a>\u00a0for free information and advice, without obligation.<\/p>\n\n