Rationing use of the stairs?
ARE you rationing your use of the stairs? How many times do you go up and down them each day?
If the answer quickly comes to mind, then chances are you might benefit from a stairlift. Why? If you know the answer, it’s likely you limit your use of the stairs as they present a physical challenge or even a safety risk.
As we grow older, the stairs can undoubtedly become more difficult, perhaps because of a medical condition that limits movement.
The number one reason why people invest in a stairlift is because they suffer from some form of arthritis, leading to sore and painful joints.
Other conditions might leave you breathless or lightheaded on the stairs — the one place where you really don’t want to feel dizzy.
Or you may have had an accident that affects your mobility or be recovering from a hip or knee replacement.
You might not have the energy or strength any longer to bound upstairs. And coming down may be harder still, jolting painful joints or putting a sudden load on weakened muscles.
Almost subconsciously, many people start planning ahead so that there is less reason to use the stairs — by leaving things on the treads to take up next time, for example. Some might only go up at bedtime, even if it means having a downstairs loo installed. Eventually, some move to the ground floor, perhaps converting a dining room into a bedroom. Others move home despite all the expense and upheaval it entails.
If you have started putting off using the stairs until it is absolutely necessary, it might be time to consider a stairlift for your home. It will enable you to glide smoothly up and downstairs in safety and comfort whenever you like, without any need to ration your daily trips between floors.
Even if you only use it on ‘bad days’, perhaps when your arthritis flares up, it will be there for you. It will also futureproof your home, so that you don’t have to worry about converting rooms or moving. It means you can use all of your home, all of the time.