Tips for Buying a Stairlift For Your Parents
A stairlift prevents the need to sell your parents home after a debilitating injury or illness. If your mom or dad cannot handle stairs following a stroke, a stairlift is essential. The alternative would be to carry your parent up and down the stairs.
Senior Care in Deerfield IL: Stairlifts
The type of stairlift you need depends greatly on your budget and the home’s layout. These are the factors that you need to consider when shopping for a stairlift.
Where Is the Stair Lift Needed?
There are several types of stairlifts. You have a straight rail system for a traditional staircase or a curved rail system for stairs that curve or turn corners. Outdoor rail systems are designed for outdoor staircases, such as the stairs from a deck or down to a dock.
If your parent is going to be using a wheelchair, an incline platform is ideal. Your mom or dad would wheel their chair onto the platform and travel to the top or bottom of the stairs. There’s no requirement that they switch seats and have a second wheelchair waiting for them to transfer to when they reach that floor.
How Wide Are the Stairs?
A stairlift is going to take up some room. Most manufacturers have basic models that need a minimum of 29 inches from one side of the step to the other. If your stairs are narrower than that, you might struggle to find a stairlift that works for your parent’s needs.
How Much Does Your Parent Weigh?
A basic chair lift will only hold a certain weight. In many cases, there is a limit of 250 pounds. If your parent is heavier than that, a heavy-duty stairlift would be better. Some can carry up to 600 pounds.
Is There a Warranty?
If you’re investing in a stairlift, you want a model that has a warranty. Ask what that warranty is. Ideally, it should cover both the installation and all components on the stairlift. If it says “limited,” shop around for better warranty coverage or be sure you’re okay with the terms.
In addition to a stairlift, home care services can help a parent who is struggling around the home. Rather than give up their independence and move into assisted living or a nursing home, a home care aide is there to help your parents with ambulation, personal care, grooming, and many other daily tasks. Find out prices and schedules by calling a home care specialist.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Senior Care in Deerfield, IL, call the caring staff at LifeCare Home Health & In-Home Services. Call (888) 606-4199 LifeCare serves all of the Chicago Metro Area.
- How Does Physical Therapy Help Prevent Senior Falls? - May 12, 2023
- Types of Home Health Care Nursing Services - May 4, 2023
- Detecting Early Signs of Alzheimer’s with Alzheimer’s Care - April 28, 2023