The Safest Stairlifts for Seniors Today
When you reach a certain age, those stairs start looking like a mountain. I have seen too many folks try to tough it out and end up taking a fall. Putting in a lift is not about giving up, it is about staying in the house you love. But you need a machine that is easy on the joints and simple to operate.
Features That Actually Matter
I see a lot of fancy stuff advertised, but most of it is just fluff. If you are buying a lift for an elderly parent, you need to focus on the basics. First is the swivel seat. You do not want a seat that stays put at the top of the stairs. You want one that turns 90 degrees so the person is facing the hallway when they get off. This keeps them from having to twist their knees or hips, which is where a lot of falls happen.
The second thing is the controls. Some lifts have tiny buttons that are hard to see. Look for a paddle control. It is a big lever you can just nudge with the side of your hand. If you have arthritis, you do not want to be pushing small buttons.
* High back seats give better support for the spine.
* Folding arms and footrests keep the stairs clear for other people.
* Safety sensors on the base will stop the chair if it hits a cat or a shoe.