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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!

The Importance Of Preventing Slips And Falls

Falls are among the most prevalent injuries incurred by seniors. For older adults, mobility issues involving problems with strength and balance are often the causes of those falls. Sadly, many elderly people who fall sustain very serious injuries. Needless to say, if you live with an older adult, it’s vital you find ways to prevent him/her from slipping and falling. What should be done?

Safeguard your kitchen.

It goes without saying that the kitchen is full of potential dangers. Between the burners of the stove and the sharp utensils in the drawers, there are many ways a person can get injured. As well, kitchens are known for their tiled floors. Such slippery surfaces can cause a person who with mobility issues to slip and fall. Place non-slip mats on the floor and be sure to keep knives and other potentially harmful objects safely stored.

“Move items in your cabinets so that the things you use a lot are on the lower shelves (about waist level),” recommends HealthLinkBC,” If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool.”

Take steps to improve your health.

One of the best possible ways to prevent falls is to ensure that you are in good health. By maintaining good body weight, improving your strength and correcting your vision, you stand an excellent chance of avoiding mishaps in your home. MyHealth.Alberta.ca encourages people to get enough vitamin D and calcium in order to keep their bones strong. As well, the site recommends getting your vision and hearing checked once a year.

“If you tend to feel light-headed when you stand up quickly, take the time to get up slowly from your bed or chair,” MyHealth.Alberta.ca also advises, “When you wake up, it may help to sit up first and count slowly to 10 before you try to stand up. And after you stand up, stay still for a few seconds before you move. If you are very weak or dizzy, don’t try to walk around. Instead, see your doctor as soon as possible.”

Keep your staircases clear.

It sounds like obvious advice that doesn’t need to be shared. But it’s important we share it nonetheless. Your staircases should have nothing on them. Period. There is no reason to keep any items on your steps. We’re talking about clothes, toys, books, shoes – you name it. By keeping your staircases clear, you ensure that there are no tripping hazards. This is especially important for individuals with vision impairments.

“Fix loose, broken, or uneven steps,” advises HealthLinkBC, “Make sure you have plenty of light in stairways. Have an electrician put in an overhead light at the top and bottom of the stairs. You can get light switches that glow. If you have burned-out lights in the stairway, have a friend or family member change the bulbs. Make sure that the carpet is firmly attached to every step. Or you can remove the carpet and attach rubber treads to the stairs to prevent slips.”

Install a stair lift.

At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we believe that stair lifts are the perfect preventers of slips and falls. We carry high-quality stair lifts that are designed to fit staircases of all kinds. They can be made to work with straight or curved staircases regardless of the number of steps they contain. For more information, 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.