Stairway Lifts Explained: How They Work and Improve Accessibility

As older adults age, stairs can become increasingly difficult to navigate in their homes, Age-related changes that could affect a person’s ability to navigate stairs include balance, strength, sight, and joint health. Changes in these factors can create difficulties and increase the likelihood of falling when climbing stairs. According to the CDC, falls are one of the leading causes of injury for seniors and can affect an individual’s ability to remain self-sufficient. In fact, one out of every four adults 65 years of age and older will experience a fall each year, resulting in millions of emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

A fall on the stairs can leave a senior with numerous grave injuries, and can dramatically affect their confidence when navigating the home. As a result, many seniors will begin looking for ways to make their homes safer while maintaining access to all levels of the house, like the installation of a stairway mobility aid.

Understanding Stair Lift Technology

A stairway lift is an electric device designed to support the safe transport of a user up and down a staircase. The system operates on a rail that is securely attached to the stair treads rather than the wall, making installation less invasive than many homeowners expect.

The user sits in a comfortable chair with a seat belt to secure the body, uses simple controls to operate the lift either mounted on the arm of the chair itself or via a remote. When activated, the lift will move the chair up or down the stairs using an electric motor. This enables the user to move smoothly from one level of the home to another. Today’s modern marketplace primarily installs rechargeable battery systems in most lifts, which allows continuous function during power outages.

To enhance safety, many stair chairs are equipped with features such as swivel seats for easier entry and exit, folding footrests, and sensors that stop the lift automatically when obstacles are detected.

Accessibility Benefits Beyond Mobility

While stairway lifts are often associated with mobility assistance, their benefits extend far beyond simply moving from one floor to another.

Many people use their stair climbing lifts to access the other floors in the home. The kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and other living areas are often on different levels. By installing a home lift for stairs, you can continue to navigate all of your home, improving independence and making day-to-day life more manageable.

With the installation of a lift, seniors with mobility issues are also able to age in place, which remains a priority for many.

For those who suffer from temporary injuries, ongoing health concerns, and reduced mobility, a home lift for stairs can preserve independence and make day-to-day life more manageable.

Safety Benefits for Families

Stairlifts provide not just support for the user, but also offers a significant peace of mind for family members or caregivers.

When a loved one struggles on the stairs, family members often worry about what may happen when no one is around. Because of the potential for serious injury, hospitalization, and loss of independence, stair safety is a major concern for both users and family members alike.

Rather than relying on their partner, child, or caregiver for assistance going up and down the stairs every time, the individual can move throughout their home more independently. The added reassurance of a stair chair helps reduce caregiver burden while supporting the older adult’s sense of dignity and self-sufficiency.

Working With a Professional Accessibility Specialist

When it comes to selecting a stairway mobility aid for your home, there are several things to keep in mind: the design of your stairs, your mobility needs, and your long-term accessibility goals. That is why professional assessments are so important. An accessibility specialist can evaluate your home, recommend the most appropriate

solution, and ensure the stair climbing lift is installed properly and safely.

At EZ Living Concepts, we provide seniors and their families with personalized accessibility solutions in order to age safely at home. Through our professional evaluation and installation, as well as ongoing support, our goal is to help homeowners continue enjoying their homes in confidence.

Ready to learn more about stairway lifts and accessibility solutions? Contact us today at (610)-583-9000 or sales@ezlivingconcepts.com to get started.

A safer, more accessible home may be just one conversation away.