Remodeling for Accessibility: Stairlifts and More

Stairlifts are just one way of retrofitting your multilevel home to make it more accessible. The aging of the baby boomer generation has spawned a whole new set of buzzwords: multi-generational households, aging-in-place and wheelchair accessibility are just a few. Essentially, we’re talking about ways to make homes more comfortable and convenient so that seniors – and others with mobility problems – can stay at home instead of moving into a costly and much less comfortable apartment or assisted living facility. While it may seem that single-story homes are the ideal choice for people who have trouble with stairs, equipment like stairlifts can make multi-story homes comfortable, safe and convenient for older adults and those with mobility issues. These are a few of the mobility solutions that can make it much easier and safer to get from one floor to another in your home.
Stairlifts
Stair lifts, also known as chairlifts, transport you up the stairs in a seated position. A stairlift reduces the risk of falling on the stairs – one of the most common places for dangerous falls among older adults. They’re an excellent solution for people who can transfer on and off the chair but have trouble climbing or descending stairs because of pain, weakness or dizziness. There are also standing stairlifts that are designed for people who find it uncomfortable to sit because of arthritis or other joint problems. Stair lifts glide on rails attached to the stair treads rather than to the wall, allowing them to support more weight safely. They generally only take up about half the width of the staircase and most often have a seat that folds out the way when the lift is not in use, so they allow easier use of the staircase on foot. The best stairlifts are custom designed to fit each staircase, and can be fitted to straight staircases as well as to curved ones.
Other options for traversing stairs are far more expensive and often unnecessary. An inclined platform lift – also known as a wheelchair lift – costs up to 10 times as much as a stair lift, while a home elevator is even more expensive.
Stairlifts can make it possible for older adults to remain in their homes rather than making a forced move to an adult community, assisted living community or a smaller, one-story home. Before resigning yourself to moving, check out the various options available to make your entire home accessible again.