Chairlift, Stairlifts, Handrails - Getting Older In The Home
Staircases are important links between parts of a home. Buildings with several floors are much more efficient uses of space, but can pose problems for elderly and disabled people. The staircase is where serious accidents are most likely to occur, usually as a result of physical conditions like poor eyesight or arthritis. For many, stairlifts are the answer.
For those who find navigating the staircase tricky, avoiding them is one effective way of preventing staircase accidents, but it is not always the easiest since it makes half the home inaccessible. By addressing the problem of the stairs, it is possible to seriously reduce the risk of a fall without declaring half the home out of bounds.
One of the most elementary adjustments you can make to a staircase to make it less likely cause a fall is installing an adequate handrail. Remember that handrails need to be able to take some serious weight, and that research has shown that having two handrails reduces the risk of an accident significantly. Ensure that it is securely attached to the wall, and that it is wide enough to get a hand through. The rail should be smooth with no rough edges.
The steps themselves should also be well maintained, ensuring they are in proper working condition. Steps should be solid, level and of a consistent size. Having steps of different lengths or height can greatly increase the risk of a dangerous fall. Ensuring that the stairs are free from obstacles is also important. Look for loose sections of carpet, which could slide or create a tripping hazard.
Ensuring the stairs are in a good state of repair is the most effective way to increase safety, but there are some occasions when people are unable to safely navigate their staircase. This could be as a result of joint pain or a hip replacement, and it is the best idea to fit a stairlift or chairlift.
Stair lifts are installed onto a staircase and provide a seat for the person to sit in which is electrically-driven up and down the stairs at the user’s request. In some cases a standing lift is used instead of a seated one, although this is very uncommon. Stairlifts make navigating homes easier for elderly and disabled people.
Staircases can be extremely dangerous for vulnerable people, so it’s important to ensure that staircases are in a good state of repair, and even fitting a stair lift for those who can no longer navigate them on their own.
Stannah are a British family-owned company dedicated to quality, safety and service. Building relationships of trust with customers, we don’t cold call, don’t install a stairlift where it isn’t practical and never, ever compromise on safety.