Love Your Independence: How Stairlifts and Recliner Chairs Improve Accessible Living

As people get older or face physical challenges due to injury or health concerns, it can become increasingly difficult to navigate their homes. They can’t easily climb stairs, get out of low seats without feeling severe pain, or move around without assistance. Some might even start thinking about downsizing to a single-level house or moving to an assisted living facility where they won’t have to worry about these challenges. 

If you want to remain in the comfort of your own home rather than resorting to these options, accessible mobility solutions like stairlifts, recliner chairs, ramps, and adjustable countertops might be the answer. Read on to learn about the benefits of these accessible tools and some practical tips for choosing the right ones for your home.

The Importance of Accessible Living

Accessible living involves making modifications to your home to remove barriers that can limit mobility. This could mean installing wider doorways, implementing smoother flooring transitions, or adding assistive devices like grab bars in the bathroom. Below are some of the benefits of making accessible modifications:

Improves Safety

Safety is a prime concern when we talk about accessible living. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 4 older adults report falling yearly. These falls are not just minor slips; they can lead to serious injuries like hip fractures, broken bones, or head trauma. The CDC also highlights that falling once doubles the chances of falling again. When you think about it, this can be pretty alarming, aren’t they?

Simple modifications, like installing stairlifts, grab bars in bathrooms, or wider doorways, offer maximum support and stability, thereby minimizing the chances of accidents and increasing safety. 

Enhances Comfort

Who doesn’t want to live comfortably? Accessible modifications go a long way toward making everyday activities easier and more comfortable. Recliner chairs offer optimal support and comfort to people suffering from arthritis or chronic back pain. With the push of a button, you can adjust your chair to the perfect position, relieving stress on your joints and muscles. Similarly, ramps can provide easier access to the home while using a wheelchair, reducing the strain on your body.

Increases Independence

One of the most liberating aspects of accessible living is increased independence. Whether it’s cooking a meal, getting out of bed, or taking a shower, having the right modifications means you don’t have to rely as much on others. This sense of independence can’t be overstated; it boosts your confidence and enhances your overall quality of life.

Stairlifts: A Solution for Multi-Level Homes

When experiencing mobility issues or suffering from conditions like arthritis or heart disease, you might have trouble going up and down the stairs. In such cases, stairlifts can make your home much more accessible and safe.

Stairlifts are installed along the rail of your staircase, carrying you up and down the stairs with ease. Many stairlifts come with safety belts, swivel seats, armrests, and remote controls, adding extra layers of convenience and safety.

Different Types of Stairlifts

At Clock Mobility, we offer three different types of Bruno stairlifts, including:

• Straight Stairlifts: Designed for staircases without any curves, bends, or landings, these are usually the most affordable and simple to install.
• Curved Stairlifts: Tailored for stairs with twists, turns, or intermediate landings, these models are custom-made to fit the exact specifications of your staircase.
• Outdoor Stairlifts: Built to withstand the harsh elements, these lifts are perfect for exterior stairs often found on porch or garden steps.

Clock Mobility also offers platform lifts that function similarly to elevators but are designed for shorter distances. They feature a large, sturdy platform that can accommodate a wheelchair or mobility scooter to transport the user from one level to another. 

Tips for Selecting the Perfect Stairlifts for Your Needs

Choosing the right stair lift can feel overwhelming, but focusing on the following key factors can simplify the decision-making process:

• Stair Type: Check out your stair configuration to identify whether you need a lift for straight stairs, curved stairs, or outdoor stairs.
• Weight Capacity: Check the stair lift’s weight capacity. Most standard models support up to 300 lbs, but heavy-duty options are available for higher weight requirements.
• Safety Features: Look for safety features such as seat belts, swivel seats, sensors that detect obstacles, and battery backup in the event of a power outage.
• Power Source: Consider whether the stair lift is powered by direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). DC-powered lifts often have battery backups that allow for continued operation during a power outage, providing an extra level of security.
• Budget: Your budget will also play a significant role. Basic models for straight stairs start at about $3,500, while custom curved stairlifts can cost around $10,000.

Recliner Chairs: Enhancing Comfort and Mobility

Different health conditions, such as arthritis, sciatica, muscle sprains, and even recent surgery, can make it challenging to sit down and stand up without experiencing significant pain. If you want to minimize discomfort, a recliner chair might be beneficial for you. These recliners come with lift assistance to help you stand with minimal effort, built-in massage, and heating functions to relax sore muscles, and cup holders to conveniently hold your beverages. 

Types of Recliner Chairs

Recliner chairs aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are different types you can choose from based on your specific needs:

• Two-Position Recliners: Designed to provide lower body and neck support, these recliners have two positions, including upright and reclined, so you can kick back and relax or sit upright for more serious activities. 

• Three-Position Recliners: Besides an upright and a full recline, a position recliner offers a partial recline position to alleviate joint pressure while enhancing comfort. 

• Infinite Position Recliners: As the name suggests, an infinite position chair offers limitless reclining positions to distribute your body weight evenly. These often come with multi-motor designs allowing the backrest and footrest to operate independently, making them suitable for reading, watching TV, or taking a nap. 

Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right Recliner Chair

When it comes to picking out the ideal recliner chair, there are a few factors you need to consider:

• Size: When picking a recliner, make sure it fits your body and your living space. A chair that’s too large might feel overwhelming and uncomfortable, while a chair that’s too small won’t support you properly or may make you feel cramped. Don’t forget to account for the space needed when the chair is fully reclined.
• Features: Do you need a chair with massage and heat functions for added comfort? Or maybe a chair with a built-in USB port to charge your devices? While features like adjustable headrests, lumbar support, and even cup holders might enhance your experience, they will also add to the overall cost.
• Fabric: The upholstery of your recliner is more than just a matter of style. Leather, microfiber, and certain cloth options can make a big difference in longevity and maintenance. If you have pets or children, you might want to choose something stain-resistant and tough enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
• Weight Capacity: Ensure the chair can comfortably support the user’s weight. Most chairs will clearly state their weight limit. Picking a chair with the appropriate weight capacity is essential for both safety and longevity.
• Budget: Recliners range from affordable models to luxury ones with all the bells and whistles. Find one that fits within your financial plan while still meeting your needs.

Other Home Modifications for Accessible Living

Besides stairlifts and recliner chairs, you can also make the following home modifications for accessible living:

• Ramps: If your front door or porch has stairs but you can’t replace them, consider getting a ramp. Ramps feature sturdy and non-slip platforms, making it easier to access your home. 
• Wider doorways and hallways: Ever tried navigating a narrow doorway with a walker or wheelchair? It can be quite frustrating. Widening doorways and hallways might seem like a small change, but it can make your home feel so much more open and easy to move around, eliminating the frustration of tight squeezes and awkward angles.
• Adjustable height countertops: Cooking and meal prep can be a challenging task if your countertops are too high or too low. Adjustable-height countertops adapt to your needs, offering the perfect height whether you’re standing or in a wheelchair while doing kitchen activities. 
• Walk-in showers and grab bars: Bathrooms can be tricky and dangerous for those with mobility issues. Walk-in showers do not have high edges to clamber over, offering a safer, more accessible way to bathe while significantly reducing the risk of slips and falls. Also, consider strategically adding grab bars around the bathroom for additional support and balance.

Enjoy Accessible Living with Clock Mobility

As you explore the possibilities of your accessible living space, remember that each modification is a step toward reclaiming moments of everyday joy and independence. At Clock Mobility, we have top-of-the-line mobility solutions, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles, portable ramps, lift chairs, and residential stairlifts for accessible living. 

We also have mobility specialists who will not only assist you with understanding financial options but also help you implement the right home modifications for your needs. Call us at (866) 380-3326 or visit one of our four locations in Michigan to discuss your requirements. 

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