As we grow older, it gets harder to imagine moving to another locale or setting up a brand-new home. Remaining in the place you have lived for an extended period comes with many advantages, including familiarity with the surroundings and close relationships with neighbors. But for those living in multi-story homes, age and mobility challenges can sometimes make the stairs a safety hazard. Whether you are planning ahead or facing changes now, here are some options to help you or your loved ones continue to live with dignity at home.
Growing Challenges
With age comes wisdom, and (unfortunately) some physical changes. Mobility limitations may come about because of a variety of conditions, including arthritis, stroke, hip or knee replacements. Additionally, balance issues can arise from inner ear problems, medication side effects, or decreased muscle strength. Vision changes, such as reduced depth perception or cataracts, can make judging distances on stairs more difficult. Thus, stairs can become a dangerous impediment to aging in place, potentially leading to falls and injuries.
Option 1: Stairlifts
Stairlifts are one of the most popular and practical solutions for making stairs safe again. Brands like Acorn, Bruno, and Stannah offer models that can be fitted to almost any staircase, even curved ones. These systems feature a comfortable seat that moves along a rail installed on the staircase, allowing users to glide safely up and down between floors.
Stairlifts are easy to operate, with controls typically found on the armrest or a remote. Most models have safety features like seatbelts and swivel seats for easy exit. Batteries for Acorn stairlift are automatically recharged when the stairlift is parked at the top or bottom of the staircase, so the unit can still operate even in a power outage. The seats also fold up neatly when not in use.
Option 2: Home Elevators
Though more of an investment, residential elevators are popular in multi-story homes. Unlike the clunky, industrial lifts of the past, today’s home elevators are sleek, quiet, and can often be installed with minimal remodeling, especially in newer homes with ample space.
Elevators are ideal for individuals who use wheelchairs or walkers, or for couples aging together with different mobility needs. While installation is more complex and costly than a stairlift, the seamless movement between floors is worth it for many homeowners. A home elevator can also increase the resale value of a home.
Option 3: Vertical Platform Lifts
If you or your loved one uses a wheelchair or scooter, a vertical platform lift or porch lift might be a good option. These lifts are similar to small elevators, but are designed specifically for shorter distances, for example, from the ground level to a porch, garage entry, or between split levels inside a home.
Unlike stairlifts, which require transferring to a seat, vertical lifts allow the user to remain in their mobility device. They are also ideal for outdoor use, weather-resistant, and fairly quick to install. For wheelchair users in multi-level homes, these lifts can be a helpful addition.
Option 4: Remodeling
Sometimes, the most straightforward solution is rethinking the way you use your space. Converting a den or dining room into a main-level bedroom, adding a full bathroom downstairs, or making the kitchen and laundry room more accessible can eliminate the need to go upstairs entirely.
The upstairs of the home can then be converted to another purpose, such as additional storage, hobby rooms, or guest accommodations. Though remodeling takes planning and investment, it is a meaningful way to preserve the feeling of home without compromising the safety of its aging inhabitants.
Option 5: Impactful Upgrades
If you are not prepared to invest in large equipment or remodeling projects and have only minor mobility issues, there are simpler upgrades you can make to improve the safety of your stairs. These upgrades may not replace larger mobility solutions, but they can buy time until you are ready to make a larger change.
First, make sure that your staircase is well-lit with motion-activated lights. Add sturdy handrails on both sides of staircases for extra support and install non-slip treads or carpet runners for safer footing. You can also use alternating colors on steps or add anti-slip reflective tape to step edges to increase visibility.
It Pays to Plan Early
People tend to put off home improvements until there is an injury, surgery, or major health event. But thinking ahead—when you are still feeling good—makes the process easier and gives you the luxury of more choices. Talk with your family and consult with an occupational therapist or an aging-in-place specialist. Think about how easy it is to move around and if there is enough room for a wheelchair. Identify tripping hazards or parts of the home that feel off-limits. This will help you create a plan that will help you and your family live at home longer.
Conclusion
Aging in place is not just about accessibility but also about preserving your routines and memories. From stairlifts and elevators to simple remodeling and safety upgrades, there are several options available to ensure that you remain independent and safe in your beloved home. Be sure to consider your future needs well in advance and take steps to make your multi-story home fit for the many years ahead.