Blog: Advantage Home Health Solutions Logo 

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 To Create A Safe Living Environment For Someone With Mobility Issues

Many individuals who live with mobility issues are used to receiving support from loved ones. Assistance from caregivers is often necessary for those who live with significant mobility issues. However, not everyone with a disability has a caregiver. Instead, he/she must modify his/her living environment in order to spend each and every day in a comfortable and safe situation. What should be done to create a safe living environment for someone with mobility issues?

Get a visual inspection.

This is vital for those with physical limitations when moving into new homes. In fact, even if your physically challenged family member is taking up residence in your basement apartment, it’s wise to get a professional to inspect it. Needless to say, ensuring a completely safe environment is a top necessity. According to Romana King on Zolo.ca, the most important rule for evaluating a location’s appropriateness for a person with a disability is the visual inspection.

“Visit the property and look around,” she advises, “Ask to see every room, every closet, ask about storage, about parking, about noise policies and pets.”

Seek a grant to modify your home.

In the province of Alberta, older adults may be eligible for the Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP). It offers low interest home equity loans that can cover a wide range of home adaptations and renovations. This helps seniors to stay in their homes longer and maintain their independence. SHARP covers repairs, adaptations and/or renovations to their primary residences.

Albertans also have access to the Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP). It offers low income residents who have mobility challenges grants to help modify their homes. You may be eligible for a RAMP grant if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has lived in Alberta for 90 continuous days; an Albertan of any age who uses a wheelchair or a senior (65+ years) who uses a 4-wheel walker on an ongoing basis or an Albertan living with a progressive neuro-degenerative disease.

Install a stair lift.

We would argue that there is simply no safer way for a person with mobility issues to get up and down the stairs than a stair lift. By installing one in your home, you eliminate the possibility of a dangerous tumble down the stairs. For those who are unsteady on their feet and/or require mobility solutions such as wheelchairs, walkers or canes to get around, a stair lift is an ideal safety solution for the home.

“Stair lifts come in a wide variety of styles, and can be installed as a permanent home modification, or can be an on-the-go solutions, such as a portable stair climber,” informs Kelly Mercer of North Carolina’s 101 Mobility, “Stair lifts turn multi-level homes or even front yard steps into accessible homes for those with limited mobility. Installing them will level out your home and create a safe, accessible space.”

For more information about the stair lifts and other 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.