Considering that the age of the elderly people in the UAE is growing, mobility problems are becoming increasingly common. As a result of limited mobility, moving around the house and the stairs become difficult for seniors. The number of accidents occurring due to falling from the stairs is greater than any other accident among the elderly. To prevent such accidents and move up and down the stairs with ease, the stairlift is considered one of the most commonly used devices for mobility. However, there are more cost-effective stair lift alternatives that provide mobility aid just like stairlifts do.
In this guide, MobilityExpress experts will recommend to you the best stairlift alternatives for seniors in the UAE.
Why Look for Stair Lift Alternatives?
The stair lift can help; however, it might not be a feasible solution for all houses. The stairs can be too narrow, turn too sharply, or not have enough space to install a stairlift. It can be too costly if needed only for a limited period. In such a case, it may seem wasteful to spend a lot of money on a stair lift.
Your needs should also be considered. Sometimes, a senior requires additional assistance in moving around during recovery after an accident, or needs a mobility device that he will use for years. Sometimes renting a stair lift or choosing a different alternative is more beneficial.
What Can Seniors Do Instead of Stair lifts?
Just because you have grown older does not necessarily mean that you have given up your attempts to climb the stairs. There is no need to immediately look at a new stair lift if it is getting difficult for you to navigate the stairs. You can get a portable stair climber that can assist you in certain circumstances, and you could also think of used or reconditioned stair lifts as a more affordable choice. It comes to pass that other solutions such as ramps or stair climbers can suit your particular home better.
Stair Climbers
If climbing the stairs has now become a problem but you do not wish for any permanent solution, then stair climbing for renters is a good choice for you. Stair climbers from MobilityExpress are handy when someone wants to climb the stairs temporarily due to some injury or surgical procedure. These lifts are portable, easily movable from one place to another, and allow the use of a wheelchair by giving assistance while going up and down without changing the layout of the house.
Platform Lifts
A platform lift could be a great option for making movement between various floors easier, particularly for those in wheelchairs. The wheelchair platform lift will give the user a platform on which he or she can stay seated on the wheelchair and move from one floor to another. Based on the type of staircase and space available, one can opt for either a vertical or inclined lift platform.
Vertical Platform Lift
The vertical lifts by MobilityExpress are meant for low vertical travels and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Their weatherproof construction allows its usage even outside of the house, as well as easy controls and low platform ensure easy access and safety.
Inclined Platform Lift
The inclined platform lift is installed according to the stairs and allows the person in a wheelchair to traverse from one level to another without having to leave his or her wheelchair. The lift is equipped with a narrow profile design, folding platform, emergency stop switches, key-operated call station and battery backup system.
Elevator Lifts
If the accessibility is required from one floor to another, then an elevator lift provides a better solution. It offers a special place that is used to move to different levels and even allows the use of an elevator lift by wheelchairs and those people who cannot walk easily. An elevator lift would be very helpful in such cases where stairs are not accessible or available.
Conclusion
Stairs do not have to become a daily battle for older adults. Portable stair climbers, platform lifts, and elevator lifts are some of the solutions that can be considered instead of conventional stair lifts. Each of these solutions may work based on specific criteria including the house in question, mobility requirements, the budget, and duration. MobilityExpress makes it easy by providing affordable stairlift alternatives and 24/7 customer care.
FAQs
Q: What is the cheapest alternative to a stair lift?
The most economical alternative option to the stair lift would be the portable ramp for the small stairs and the portable stair climbing chair for moving between floors.
Q: Can seniors use a stair climber instead of a stair lift?
Yes, Seniors can use the stair climber rather than the stair lift as long as they have good balance, strong leg muscles and stable core strength.
Q: Are platform lifts safe for seniors?
Yes, platform lifts are absolutely safe for seniors if they are properly installed and made using the latest safety options.
Q: Can powered stair climbers work without electricity?
Yes, the powered stair climbers can operate without electricity since they have a battery included that allows for dozens of trips to be done at once.
