Signs That It’s Time For A Stairlift
Having a stairlift fitted can be a hugely beneficial way to make life a little easier for the elderly. With so many people aging in place, it is important to ensure that they are still able to enjoy the independence of their home, even when it comes to climbing the stairs.
Whether you are in need of a stairlift for yourself, or are looking to find out whether an elderly loved one might need one, there are some tell-tale signs that it’s time to invest in a stairlift. For example, if you are feeling uncomfortable, unable to move around your house or have shortness of breath especially when climbing the stairs, this is likely a sign that it’s time for a stairlift.
Looking Out For The Elderly
It is no surprise that climbing a flight of stairs can prove to be a challenging workout, particularly for those who have health conditions that make it harder to work out on their own. Moreover, the movement involved in stair climbing is surprisingly more demanding than running or lifting weights. And all of this is particularly true when it comes to the elderly.
It is common for elderly individuals to experience back pain as they age, and this can be particularly severe if the stairs are quite steep. A stair lift can help to reduce this pain by ensuring that your legs are not exerting themselves too much and making it far easier for your back to handle the stairs. Similarly, it can be very difficult for seniors to maintain their level of physical activity, particularly when they have trouble climbing the stairs. Having a stairlift can allow them to continue with their favorite activities and hobbies.
Falling More Often
One of the tell-tale signs that an elderly person might need a stairlift is if they’re falling more often. This is often due to age-related changes in eyesight, cognition, muscle strength and balance that can make it more difficult for someone to walk safely or get up from a sitting or lying position. The risk of falls also rises if a person has a physical condition that makes it harder to walk safely, such as diabetes, arthritis or heart disease. It’s also more common for older people to use medications that affect attention or lower blood pressure, such as opioid analgesics and antidepressants, which can increase their chances of falling. If you have fallen on the stairs a few times, it is important to have a stairlift installed as soon as possible so that you can avoid future falls and stay safe in your home.
Having Frequent Dizzy Or Fainting Spells
Your sense of balance is a complex system that relies on multiple parts, including your eyes, ears and brain. Sometimes, one of these systems is off and you can feel dizzy or faint. There are a number of possible causes for dizziness, including inner ear issues and medications. Your triggers, the length of time you’re feeling dizzy and any other symptoms you’re having can help your doctor determine what’s going on. Another cause of dizziness is a problem with blood flow to the brain, which is known as orthostatic hypotension. This condition happens when you stand up too quickly, and it can make your blood pressure drop enough to cause dizziness or a fainting spell. A stairlift will help to prevent these spells from occurring, which will give you peace of mind and make it far safer to climb your stairs. It can also provide a sense of confidence and help to relieve any anxiety or fear that you have about falling on the stairs.