Aging in place is likely on the wish list of just about every senior citizen. Who wouldn’t want to spend their later years within the comfortable and familiar confines of the family home? When the golden years of retirement beckon, most people anticipate the promise of relaxation and reflection.
For seniors, ensuring a safe and fulfilling lifestyle at home becomes paramount. However, for those who may be contending with such issues as unstable balance, diminishing strength, and aches and pains, navigating the home can be difficult. Is your elderly loved one able to enjoy every corner of the home?
Minimize loneliness and isolation.
The solitude that often accompanies the golden years can cast a shadow over the sunniest of days. Feelings of loneliness and isolation can become more than just causes for mild concern. They can fester into significant mental health issues. The home is a haven of memories and comfort. If a senior is confined to just one level of the home, due to mobility issues, it can greatly increase feelings of loneliness and isolation.
By enabling seniors to enjoy all levels of their homes, they can maintain their independence and facilitate social interaction. The ability to host family and friends on different floors, engage in hobbies across various spaces and experience the home’s entirety empowers seniors to combat loneliness head-on. A multi-level home offers opportunities to create vibrant, inviting environments that encourage gatherings and foster a sense of community.
On APlaceForMom.com, Claire Samuels advocates for a focus on family time in order to prevent loneliness and social isolation in seniors. “Whether you plan an activity or just sit and chat, time with family can be invaluable,” she writes.
Foster intergenerational bonds.
A house is more than bricks and mortar. It is a vessel that carries the narratives of generations. Enabling seniors to enjoy all levels of their homes doesn’t just benefit them. It cultivates intergenerational bonds that bridge the gaps between family members of all ages.
Imagine a grandchild racing up the stairs to show his/her grandparent a piece of artwork. Think about a shared cooking session that spans the kitchen and the cozy family room above. By allowing seniors to participate fully in the daily rhythms of a multi-level home, fond memories are created, laughter echoes and wisdom is imparted. This interplay between generations enriches lives and nurtures a sense of belonging that transcends the boundaries of age.
“Intergenerational relationships bring immense value to both young and old,” contends Texas’ Sodalis Senior Living, “The young may gain a mentor to learn from experiences and for elders, the youthful spirit keeps them current and engaged. Research shows that there are major health benefits of socialization, and not surprisingly, research is also showing that there are huge health benefits to intergenerational interaction – for both the old and young alike.”
Nurture physical and mental health.
The symbiotic relationship between physical and mental health becomes even more pronounced in one’s senior years. Staying active and engaged is essential for both aspects of well-being. A multi-level home acts as a natural catalyst for movement and activity, inadvertently promoting physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Seniors can embrace the stairs as a means of gentle exercise, keeping joints supple and muscles engaged. The act of moving between levels fosters cognitive agility and sparks curiosity, counteracting the sedentary lifestyle that can contribute to health issues. A multi-level home becomes an ally in the pursuit of holistic health, offering opportunities for both physical movement and mental rejuvenation.
Tailor home access for future needs.
A home is a living entity, evolving with the passage of time. Enabling seniors to enjoy all levels of their homes ensures adaptability for the future. As needs change and circumstances evolve, a multi-level home can be modified to accommodate various scenarios.
The ground level may serve as a haven for aging parents, providing accessible living quarters without sacrificing proximity to family. Conversely, the upper floors can house the younger generation, fostering independence while maintaining close familial ties. By embracing a multi-level home, seniors position themselves to gracefully transition through different stages of life, supported by the inherent flexibility of their living spaces.
Safeguard the stairways.
For many of us, stairs are mundane parts of our lives. Older adults, however, often see staircases as obstacles. For seniors, navigating staircases can transform from a simple task into a daunting challenge. As we all know, unsafe staircase climbing can lead to severe accidents and injuries. By embracing accessible design principles, such as installing handrails and non-slip treads, homes can become welcoming havens for seniors. Safeguarding the stairs can grant older adults the freedom to traverse their spaces with confidence.
It’s not just about safety. It is also about preserving independence. Enabling seniors to enjoy all levels of their homes ensures that the upper stories, once sanctuaries of comfort, remain accessible sanctuaries. By addressing stair safety, we unlock the potential for seniors to continue cherishing their homes without the worry of avoidable accidents. For seniors with mobility issues, there is no better solution for staircase safety than installing a stair lift.
Install a stair lift.
Stair lift systems can be made to fit nearly any type of staircase. Whether you need a straight stair lift, a curved stair lift or even an outdoor electric stair lift, there are stair lift systems available for each job. In fact, many stair lift features allow for the stair lift to be fitted to even the most challenging staircases situations.
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we have only top-of-the-line stair lifts for sale! We also provide stair lift rentals for short term solutions. In addition, we have qualified stair lift technicians to safely install your stair lift and to service it for you when needed.
Our team always ensures that you have the complete picture of our stair lift solutions. No matter what your stair lift requirements are, you will be able to choose which stair lift is best for you. 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!
