Signs you are ready for a stairlift

Ageing is something everyone will all experience as they progress through life and many of us will experience it in different ways to others. There is no right or wrong way to enjoy your later years but there are certain things that all of us need to ensure we are looked after and considered, one of those being mobility.

Mobility can fluctuate but it is important to get help when needed, whether that is with stairlifts, walk-in shower enclosures or accessible baths. It can be hard to know when it may be time to invest in a curved or straight stairlift, whether you make the decision or someone you love suggests getting one installed.

In this article, we explore the signs you need to look out for that indicate you might be ready for a stairlift or a little help in your home. Keep on reading to find out a little more.

Signs you are ready for a stairlift:

• When you experience any unusual pains or changes
• When stairs become a struggle
• Family concerns
• You often avoid stairs
• You have fallen recently
• You are looking to move to a new house

When you experience any unusual pains or changes

One of the first indications that your mobility might be starting to deteriorate is any unusual pain or changes when climbing the stairs, this can be as little as feeling wobbly to feel pain in your legs as you ascend or descend.

We spoke to Robbie, dad and blogger behind the Paternal Damnation, he spoke a little about some of the signs he thinks you need to look out for that may indicate you are ready for a stairlift: "It's important to consider installing a chairlift as soon as you notice any mobility issues. Too many people wait until after they've already fallen and can suffer far worse mobility problems as a result. Look out for any numbness, pain, or noticeable restrictions in movement of your feet and legs which could potentially pose a problem when climbing stairs.”

Numbness, wobbliness and restricted movements may all be signs that the stairs are becoming a struggle and that a stairlift may be a safer option. Robbie continues and explains why a stairlift can often ease people in their homes.

“As well as giving you peace of mind against any falls, stairlifts also offer you a great deal of freedom. Not just by making trips between your upper and lower floors easier, but also by allowing you to stay in the house, you love rather than letting circumstances dictate a move to a one-storey abode."

When stairs become a struggle

It may sound obvious, but one of the main signs to look out for is when you find stairs a struggle and can no longer climb them with little effort. Climbing steeps stairs in your home may result in loss of breath, aches, pains and other feelings that can be avoided with the installation of a mobility aid. Petra, a mum and blogger who goes by the name of A Mum Reviews, has given her insight into the use of mobility aids and stairlifts and when it is safe to introduce them into your or a loved one’s home:

"The main signs that you are ready for a stairlift is that it is becoming a struggle to get up and down the stairs safely on your own and that you feel that you might fall or experience feeling dizzy or out of breath when using your stairs. A stair lift can help you be more independent in your own home while also ensuring that you can get up and down the stairs safely without worrying about accidents. Having a stairlift installed will also mean that your loved ones will worry less as they know you are able to move around safely in your house."

Family concerns

One of the first signs you might find that leads towards the installation of a stairlift are that your family and friends become concerned about you when you are in your home and climbing the stairs on a daily basis, especially if you live alone.

If you have a loved one who lives alone or is becoming a little less sturdy on their feet then make sure you voice your opinions and supply them with some options that’ll help them, such as stairlifts and mobility aids or rails to help them.

If you are getting a little older and feel less comfortable climbing up and down your stairs then make sure you listen to the options presented to you by family and friends, they just want what is best for you and your safety.

Rachel from Lukeosaurus and Me wrote an article back in October about how you can help elderly relatives when they may need help with their mobility at home. She explains a little more about how you can help your loved ones: “Fortunately there are many options available to ease the daily struggles that your elderly relatives may face, which would allow both parties to still lead their individual lives. Installing stairlifts can give those who are struggling with the stairs a whole new sense of independence once more. Likewise, walk-in baths or shower seats provide much relief for those who struggle in this area.”

You often avoid stairs

It may sound simple, but one of the first signs you may need to think about adaptations in your home is that you avoid the stairs as much as possible, that may either be by getting people to go and get things for you or that you bring everything you may need down with you first thing in the morning.

By avoiding the stairs you may also be putting yourself at risk in emergencies or putting other people in your home at risk should they need your help, so getting it sorted is better than trying to ignore it and set it aside. If you needed to leave your home quickly and had to go either up or down the stairs, and are uneasy on your feet, then this may cause you to have an accident that could otherwise be avoided.

You have fallen recently

Of course, if you have had a fall recently then it is certainly time to look at your options. Whether you have fallen or have recently been released from the hospital and may feel a little uneasy on your feet then a stairlift may be a good option. You may think that you can manage your stairs but for your safety and the reassurance of family and friends, a mobility aid may be useful.

If you often use a mobility aid or walking stick when you are out and about, then this is a primary sign that you need a little assistance in your home too, these could be stairlifts, homelifts, walk-in baths and showers and grab handles.

Fitting a mobility aid into your home is easy and simple. Your family and friends can take care of the whole process for you, from the arrangement of the home assessment and choosing the right aid to suit your needs.

You are looking to move to a new house

If you are looking to move to a new house because your home may be too large or your children may have moved out, then you are probably doing so because keeping on top of housework or moving around your house may have started to become a struggle.

If you are moving to a new house, then getting your new home adapted to your needs is a priority and moving is a strong indicator that you may need some assistance to move about easily and safely. Installing the aids into your home before you move in means you and your loved ones can have peace of mind that you are safe and comfortable in your space.

The stairlift installation process

If you are starting to struggle in your home or know someone who is, one of the main reasons you may be putting off enquiring about a mobility aid such as a stairlift is because you may be a little confused about the process and how to get the ball rolling.

The process for getting a stairlift installed couldn’t be easier and most stairlift providers are working through the pandemic to make sure their customers are still safe in their homes, following precautions of course.

• Firstly, it may be worth sitting down with family, friends or carers and take a look at an advice pack to make sure that you are choosing the right option for you. You can request an advice pack here.
• Then you need to consider which stairlift is going to fit your home best. There is a vast selection of options. From straight and curved stairlifts to seated and perched options, all offering something different to the user.
• You will need to think about the options available to you and whether you choose a reconditioned stairlift or a new one. You can find a little more out about reconditioned stairlifts here.
• Once you have taken all these steps and are ready to commit to getting a stairlift installed, you will be required to have a home visit. A surveyor will come to your house and will ask you a few questions about your mobility and will assess your home. The surveyor will write up a quotation that will let you know how much the cost of your chosen lift will be. If you are happy you can book the installation. (At present, Handicare is offering contact-free home assessments.)

The installation process is quick and simple, a team will arrive at your home to fit your lift, taking every precaution possible to make sure your lift fits in your home and the aesthetic of your home as best possible.

If you are interested in getting a stairlift installed in your home, then hopefully this article has shed a little light on some of the signs you should look out for as well as the simple process you can follow to get your chosen aid installed.

Have questions about stairlifts? Take a look at our helpful advice guides, covering a range of topics, including stairlift removal, second-hand stairlifts, stairlift aftercare, stairlifts for parents, and other essential stairlift information.