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We want to help you understand what options are available so you have the information you need to determine the best solution for you in your home. We welcome your inquiry!

3 Tips For Assisting Elderly People With Mobility Issues

Being a caregiver isn’t easy. Not only do you have cumbersome physical tasks to complete when assisting someone with his/her daily requirements, but you also endure the mental and emotional brunt of ensuring another person’s safety. This isn’t to say, of course, that caregiving isn’t an incredibly rewarding experience. However, no one should deny your hard work and tireless efforts.

Because you understand how much is required of you as a caregiver, you’re very well aware of both the physical and emotional tolls that are taken on your care recipient. This is especially true for the elderly. It’s important to keep both their physical and emotional well-beings in mind. With that said, we’d like to offer up a few tips for assisting elderly people who have mobility issues.

Here are three:

1. Allow your care recipient to maintain control.

Losing independence is an incredibility difficult thing to accept. Most elderly people who are incapable of walking on their own endure emotional hardships, knowing that they can’t depend on their own strength to get from one place to the next. Mobility solutions such as wheelchairs and walkers help disabled individuals to restore their independence. If you’re the caregiver of such a person, be sure to respect his/her personal space.

“Some people who use a mobility aid, such as a wheelchair, walker or cane, see these aids as part of their personal space,” explains Alden Habacon on Vancity.com, “Similarly, never start to push someone’s wheelchair without first asking the occupant’s permission. Don’t touch, move or lean on mobility aids. This is also important for safety.”

2. Make the staircase a safer place.

In many of our past blogs, we’ve highlighted the dangers of the stairs. You don’t need to have a mobility issue to take a tumble down a staircase. Naturally, those with disabilities often have tougher times getting themselves up and down the stairs. This is especially true if they’re not taking advantage of stair lifts.

“When helping someone climb up stairs, it’s best to walk next to or behind him,” advises Cleveland Clinic, “If he starts to fall, it’s easier to nudge him forward. Keep your hand on his shoulders or on the belt to keep his center of gravity forward.”

3. Take care in transferring your care recipient to and from his/her mobility device.

One of your most important tasks as a caregiver is getting your care recipient from his/her mobility solution to the bathtub, or to the bed or into a car. Any transfer requires great care. As Cleveland Clinic explains, there is a proper way to transfer someone from a bed to a wheelchair to promote maximum safety.

“Position the wheelchair,” they instruct, “When helping someone transfer out of a bed, start by moving the wheelchair leg rests out of the way, so that you can manoeuvre the chair as close to the bed as possible. Lock the wheels so the wheelchair doesn’t move.”

Help us to help you keep your care recipient safer! For more information about the mobility solutions offered by Advantage Home Health Solutions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!

Stairlift | FAQ’s

What's the minimum width for a stair lift?

There are no specific width requirements to install a stairlift. All stairs in Canada are built to specific codes and standard widths, which we know will permit the installation of some type of stairlift. There are no renovations required; we install the stairlift in the space you have and based on your specific requirements. You do not have to remove handrails for a stairlift installation.

What's the average cost of a stair lift?

Many factors can influence the price of a stairlift such as number of stairs, curves, stopping points, nearby availability of power sources. We will always determine the most suitable, safe and cost effective solution for your specific needs.

Some of the price ranges for stairlifts can be found on our website. You may also qualify for funding

Do you carry anything similar to acorn chair lifts for stairs?

We carry both straight and curved stairlifts for various types of settings. What’s important to note is we have a PhotoSurvey system to assist us with exact measurements of your stairs. This system helps us in perfecting your stairlift installation and will ensure a safe, smooth and always complete ride up the stairs.

We are sure to have a model of stairlift suitable for your needs, safety and budgetary requirements.

Is it possible to install a stair lift myself?

If you have a bit of construction or technical, engineering type background, it’s possible. But there are a number of factors that would probably influence you NOT to do the installation yourself.

On the YES side:

If it’s a straight stairlift, it’s possible:

  • If there’s a supplier (manufacturer or dealer) willing to support you with installation questions.
  • If you have a bit of technical knowledge, good measurements and understanding of mathematical information to make the necessary calculations to get the right parts.

On the NO side:

  • It can be a bit complex or confusing. If you don’t have the correct tools for cutting or joining the rails.
  • If you run into an issue after installation (like a breakdown), it may not be covered by warranty.
  • If it involves a stairlift with turns or curves, it’s challenging to ensure the exact measurements that will ensure a perfectly smooth and safe ride.

We are sure to have a model of stairlift suitable for your needs, safety and budgetary requirements.

My stair lift is beeping. What could be wrong?

Here are some possibilities that could explain why your stair lift is beeping:

Power off, receptacle issues, tripped breaker, charger issues, dislodged from the charge strip, connection issue between charger and rail, not in locked position and therefore can’t use remote, seat not in lock position, obstruction, armrests not in down position, some safety issue that needs tending.

If your stair lift needs service, we’re happy to help. Just give us a call and we’ll do our best to help. If it’s not urgent, you can request more information or a service call here.

My stair lift will not move. What could be the problem?

There are several possibilities for a stairlift to not work:

  • key (incorrect position or missing)
  • armrests in the wrong position
  • if it’s not plugged in
  • if  batteries are drained from age or other reasons such as recent power outage.

If this didn’t solve the issue, you may need a service call. Reach out by phone and call 403-460-5438 or request more information about stair lift service here.

How is a stairlift installed?

When installing a stair lift, we’ll be sure to get as close to the wall or railing as possible. We’ll take measurements specific to your stairs and in the event of a curved stair lift, we’ll manufacture a unit specifically for your situation. We’ll mount the stair lift rail directly onto the stair treads.

A stairlift can typically be installed in one afternoon. We’ll always ensure the stair lift installation meets your needs for safety of the user as well as others in the home.

Find Out More About Stair Lifts… 

Ask us for a free, no obligation in-home assessment. Just fill out our information request and get a FREE consultation today.