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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!

What Are The Top Benefits Of Exercise For Older Adults?

In Calgary, the beginning of spring doesn’t necessarily equate to the start of warm weather. However, for most of us, the excitement surrounding the return of warm and sunny days has begun. This is especially true for individuals who enjoy going for outdoor jogs. Daily exercise is important no matter the weather…although warmth and sunshine certainly help! Working out is important for us all, no matter our ages.

If you’re an older adult, you certainly aren’t encouraged to do any heavy weightlifting. However, there are many benefits to light exercise. Let’s discuss some of the top ones!

It increases bone strength.

Osteoporosis is a common problem for older adults. This is especially true for older women. It’s a condition that causes bones to break more easily. Not only do seniors lose bone mass and/or density as they age, their bones also lose calcium and other minerals. Exercise is an excellent way to help bones to stay strong. It also slows or prevents problems with muscles and joints, promoting better strength, balance and flexibility.

“Regular activity builds healthy bones and helps maintain bone strength in seniors,” notes Oregon’s Northwest Primary Care, “Exercise works on bones much like it works on muscles — by making them stronger. Because bone is living tissue, it changes in response to the forces placed upon it. When you exercise regularly, your bone adapts by building more cells and becomes denser.”

It improves cognitive function.

Exercise is most commonly associated with better overall physical health. But working out does a lot more than just make you physically stronger. It is known to improve brain function as well. Naturally, this is an important reason for seniors to remain active. Especially for those who battle with dementia, regular activity can help with cognitive skills.

“Regular physical activity and fine-tuned motor skills benefit cognitive function,” informs TheGreenFields.org, “Countless studies suggest a lower risk of dementia for physically active individuals, regardless of when you begin a routine.”

It promotes heart health.

Regular exercise for older adults can help to slow their sometimes-increased heart rates. As well, it lowers blood pressure, eases stress, improves oxygen intake and even boosts morale. Of course, maintaining a healthy body weight is another benefit of exercise that lessens strain on the heart. By remaining active, seniors can recover from illness quicker and reduce their needs for medication.

“Frequent physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease and enhances your cardiovascular health,” says Northwest Primary Care, “Adding a mix of cardio and strength training will give you an added boost of energy that will improve your heart health overall. However, underlying heart conditions and hereditary diseases will not go away as a result of exercising, but staying active can help you maintain a higher quality of life.”

At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we do all we can to help older adults who can’t be as active as they would like. If you live with an elderly loved one who struggles with mobility issues, we would love to talk to you about our mobility solutions. They include stair lifts and wheelchair lifts among many others. 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.