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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!

Practicing Fall Prevention To Keep Seniors Safe From Harm

It should go without saying that seniors must be kept safe from falling at all costs. It isn’t as easy a feat as we’d like, however, is it? Falls are known as the main culprit for hospitalizations among Canadian seniors. Naturally, it’s important to take steps to prevent seniors from falling. But how, exactly, do we pull that off?

There are many different reasons that older adults take injury-inducing tumbles. Examining them will help us get so much closer to successful fall prevention.

Get the clutter off the floor.

Although this may seem obvious, it’s pretty important we make this emphatic statement. Clear your floors! Pick up all clothing, tools, toys and any other items that could present a tripping hazard. Be very mindful of wiring too. All of those corded plugs that lead to sockets in your walls need to be tucked away. And don’t forget about your throw rugs. Remove them from your floors as they are known to cause people to trip and fall.

“The easiest method for preventing falls is to keep your home neat and tidy,” states Wyatt Myers on EverydayHealth.com, “Remove all clutter, such as stacks of old newspapers and magazines, especially from hallways and staircases. Repair or remove tripping hazards. Sometimes home fixtures can contribute to falls, which can then lead to back pain and other injuries.”

Avoid wearing loose clothing.

Everyone wears what is often referred to as “home clothes”. Who doesn’t like to feel as comfy as possible while at home? For older adults, however, it’s wise to not get too cozy. To be clear, loose-fitting clothing can get caught on furniture and appliances and set their wearers off balance. Furthermore, pants that are too big can hang below the heel and turn into a tripping hazard.

“You want to feel comfortable at home, but baggy clothes can sometimes make you more likely to fall,” warns Myers, “Opt for better-fitting and properly hemmed clothing that doesn’t bunch up or drag on the ground.”

Secure a mobility device.

We would argue that the most sensible step in fall prevention is to procure the use of a mobility device. Wheelchairs, walkers, rollators and the like are excellent ways to ensure that an older adult doesn’t experience an injury-inducing fall. In addition, stair lifts make excellent additions to the home if you have staircases that are hard for your elderly loved one to climb.

“Older people are more likely to have underlying medical conditions that can cause mobility issues,” states SingleCare.com, “So struggling with balance (or to walk) is, unfortunately, very common among older people. According to a CDC study, 31.7% of people age 65 and older report having difficulty walking three city blocks.”

At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we always ensure that you have the complete picture to make an informed decision. You’ll know all of the possible options so you can choose which solution is best for you. To learn more about the wide variety of mobility solutions we offer, 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!

A Guide For Seniors To Bolster Their Strength And Balance

A Guide For Seniors To Bolster Their Strength And Balance

Regularly addressing the needs of the older adults in our community, our team is adamant about keeping seniors safe all year round. A major reason is because falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of non-fatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. This week we look at ways to bolster strength and balance.

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.