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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!

How Stair Lifts Help Seniors To Comfortably Age In Place

Who wouldn’t want to age in place? The wish to live out your life surrounded by your loved ones is something we all have, don’t we? Of course, if we’re lucky, we’ll all live long and fruitful lives in the company of our loved ones. However, for so many Canadian seniors, aging in place isn’t entirely possible.

There are many reasons for this, of course. Some elderly individuals have no choice but to live in long-term care facilities since they don’t reside in areas near their family members. Perhaps, some have outlived their family members and have no true place to call home. For many other older adults, however, aging in place isn’t possible because of their mobility issues. This is especially true for those who live in houses with multiple floors.

How do stair lifts help seniors to age in place?

Stair lifts are incredibly effective solutions when a set of stairs keeps you from enjoying your whole home. Whether it’s a straight or curved stair lift, it can provide individuals with mobility issues safe access to multiple levels of their homes. Naturally, for elderly individuals who struggle with strength and balance, the addition of stair lifts makes their homes a lot safer.

A stair lift also promotes independence for wheelchair users who would otherwise need a caregiver’s assistance to get up and down the stairs. With a stair lift in the home, a family can safely and comfortably maintain living arrangements for its elderly members. Instead of living in a long-term care facility, staying in an accessible home – where seniors are surrounded by family – is a much preferable scenario.

How important is aging in place to Canadian seniors?

In April of last year, March of Dimes Canada published the findings of their National Home Modifications Survey. Conducted in March of 2021, the survey revealed that 78 percent of Canadians want to age in their current homes. Meanwhile, only 26 percent predict that they will be able to do so.

As reported on Newswire.ca, the study also found that a whopping 93 percent of seniors agree that home modifications help people to age in place. “Home modifications were seen as a more cost-effective solution than living in a retirement home of long-term care facility by 63 per cent of adults and 83 per cent of seniors,” the site reports of the survey.

“Remaining independent and avoiding long-term care are key drivers for more than half of Canadians, including over 60 percent of seniors, who said they are planning to modify their homes for care reasons,” further reveals March of Dimes Canada.

What considerations are important when choosing a stair lift?

Firstly, it’s important to note that there are stair lifts available for both straight and curved staircases. Naturally, you will need to select the stair lift that is appropriate for the stairs in your home. Next, you’ll want to decide which side of the stair case the stair lift should be installed. As well, is the staircase uninterrupted from bottom to top?

You also need to consider if there is a landing between different sections of your stairs. Also, does the staircase have any turns? Is there a doorway or closet door close to the top or bottom of the stairs?

The Advantage Home Health Solutions team always ensures that you have the complete picture to make an informed stair lift purchase. We’ll help you through the considerations listed above so you can choose which stair lift solution is best for you. 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!

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.