Maintaining an active lifestyle and eating well can help you stay physically fit as you grow older
Living at home with family can be a comfortable solution for continued living, especially for those who may be dealing with mobility issues due to joint diseases like arthritis or narrow staircases. However, navigating these obstacles can be challenging.
When it comes to stairlifts, it's essential to consider the space available. Standard stairlifts may not fit narrow stairs, but solutions are available. Specialized slimline or narrow stairlift models, designed to fit smaller widths, are a viable option. These models have a narrower profile, foldable seats and footrests, and can be custom-fitted to the exact dimensions of the staircase.
Another option for narrow staircases is a perch stairlift, which features a smaller seat and a standing platform, suitable for users with limited knee flexibility or space constraints. Modular or custom rails can also be used to fit unusual or tight layouts, reducing installation complexity and cost.
Before installation, stairlift engineers carefully measure the width, length, and clearance of the staircase to ensure safety and comfort. They can tailor solutions for straight, curved, or even spiral staircases, including narrow ones. Consulting a specialist or local dealer is recommended to find the best model suitable for your specific narrow staircase configuration.
It's crucial to purchase a stairlift from a specialist company to ensure proper functioning and safety. Demand safety certificates from the dealer and compliance with TÜV and European regulations. A stairlift is a highly precise technical product with rigorous safety standards similar to those of an elevator or escalator, requiring regular maintenance.
While changing lifestyle habits can be a greater challenge for older people, it's essential to maintain an active lifestyle from a young age as an incentive to avoid age-related ailments.
Cost-effective alternatives for stairlifts include used lift systems, stairlifts for rent, and subsidies from the state and health insurance companies. Removing unnecessary furniture, such as oversized upholstered furniture, floor plants, and side tables, can also make a house more comfortable for living in old age.
In some cases, moving to a nursing home or a ground-floor apartment may be considered due to mobility issues. However, making your home barrier-free with solutions like elevators and stairlifts can provide a viable alternative. The bathroom should be renovated according to the standards for a barrier-free bathroom, with a floor-level shower tray, stable grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower, and a non-slip floor.
In conclusion, solutions for installing stairlifts in narrow staircases are available, making it possible for many people to continue living comfortably at home. Consulting a specialist and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key to overcoming mobility challenges.
- Embracing a fit and healthy lifestyle from a young age can help prevent age-related ailments.
- Specialist slimline or narrow stairlift models are designed to fit smaller staircases and can be custom-fitted to specific dimensions.
- Stairlifts, when purchased from a specialist company, adhere to safety certificates and European regulations, ensuring proper functioning.
- Home improvements like installing elevators or stairlifts, renovating the bathroom to meet barrier-free standards, and adjusting the home layout can make it more suitable for living comfortably in old age.
