We’re sorry to all lovers of the summer to announce that your favourite time of year is coming to an end. As of Monday, September 22, the fall season will officially commence. Here, in Calgary, we’re preparing for the forthcoming dropping of temperatures and eventual snowfall. For homeowners, this is the time of year to begin winterizing their properties. We’re talking about checking the furnace, sealing windows and ensuring sidewalks are safe.
For seniors and people with disabilities, one critical step is often overlooked. That would be installing a porch lift before winter arrives. Porch lifts, also known as vertical platform lifts, provide safe and reliable ways to move between outdoor ground levels and the entrances of homes. They are excellent alternatives to stairs or long, slippery ramps, especially during Alberta’s icy winters.
How can a porch lift make your home safer this winter?
It will help to eliminate falls on the porch steps.
Snow and ice are part of daily life in Calgary during the winter. For those with limited mobility, even a short set of stairs or an outdoor ramp can become a major hazard if it’s covered in frost. Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries among seniors. Of course, winter conditions only increase the risks.
Olivia Condon of Calgary Herald reported that snow and ice-related injuries added to mounting pressure on emergency rooms across Calgary in November of 2022. The month saw 364 slip-and-fall patients, which was an increase of 179 percent over 2021. “Rockyview saw the most patients, with 105, followed by South Health Campus with 89, Foothills with 78 and the Peter Lougheed with 74,” she wrote.
A porch lift eliminates the need to navigate slippery stairs or long ramps in the winter. It provides a smooth, stable platform that carries a user up to his or her entryway. By booking an installation before winter, you can feel confident that your home will remain accessible, even during the harshest conditions.
Ramps aren’t always practical in snowy conditions.
Wheelchair ramps are excellent ways to improve accessibility to homes with very short stairways. However, they may not always be the best option during Alberta winters. A ramp long enough to meet accessibility standards can accumulate snow and ice. This can make it slippery and difficult to clear.
ScienceDirect reports that studies have found that “snow accumulation on ramps at 1:10 grade will render the ramp inaccessible for many wheelchair users who do not have external assistance.” Porch lifts, on the other hand, take up less space and are much easier to maintain in the winter. With a simple covering or regular snow clearing around the lift base, it remains functional and safe without the constant need for shovelling or salting.
Installation is much easier before winter starts.
Porch lifts require professional installation to ensure safety and reliability. Once winter hits, installation schedules may be affected by weather delays, frozen ground or increased demand from homeowners who waited until the last minute. Scheduling your porch lift installation in the fall ensures that contractors have the time and flexibility to complete the work properly. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your lift will be ready before the first major snowfall.
“Weather is a key factor in construction due to its unpredictable nature, especially during transitional seasons like spring and fall,” says Cordulus, “Construction activities typically require stable, dry and safe conditions to proceed smoothly. Adverse weather – whether it is rain, snow, extreme heat or cold, or high winds – can halt progress, damage equipment and create significant hazards for workers.”
It helps you to conserve your home’s heat.
When stairs or ramps are the only options, homeowners often have to leave their front doors open longer to help their loved ones to get inside. This can cause warm air to escape and cold air to enter. The end result is the driving up of heating bills. Not to mention, it makes your home less comfortable.
“As the temperatures plunge below zero, your door acts as a barricade against the cold, keeping your space a warm and cozy refuge from the outdoors,” affirms Ontario’s Golden Windows, “When you need to enter or exit your home, you’re quick to slip out, careful not to leave the door open for long. A wide-open door is an obvious winter faux-pas that puts pressure on your heating system.”
By installing a porch lift, you allow for quicker, safer entry to your home. The user can be moved seamlessly up to the doorway, reducing the time doors are open and helping to keep your home warm. However small, this is a significant benefit during Alberta’s coldest months.
It enhances independence and peace of mind.
For many older adults or individuals with mobility challenges, winter can be isolating. Fear of falling or struggling on stairs may discourage them from going outside, attending appointments or visiting friends and family.
According to the International Federation of Ageing, “the cold season can affect anyone’s mental state. The plummeting temperatures make it tempting to hibernate indoors. But, when this is for longer periods of time, this can lead to seclusion. That said, when we do feel like getting out with our social circle, the unpredictability of the weather makes it trickier.”
With a porch lift, accessibility is no longer a barrier. Users gain the confidence to leave their homes knowing that they can return safely and independently. Families and caregivers also experience peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are not risking injury on icy stairs.
Contact Advantage Home Health Solutions this fall!
We have many years of experience helping Calgary homeowners improve accessibility with customized mobility solutions. Our team works closely with clients, families and healthcare professionals to recommend the best options for each unique situation.
Our Handicare porch lifts are built for handling the weather in Western Canada. Made with weather-resistant materials, the 1000 External Stair Lift also comes with a waterproof cover to protect it from the elements. That way, it is always ready for use. To learn more, 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!
