It’s common for people to develop mobility problems as they age, and that can make the once-simple action of walking up and down the stairs into something of a chore. At best, there’s discomfort; at worst, it becomes downright dangerous.
Of course, we all understand that stairlifts provide a way around this problem, but many people dislike the idea of investing in one when they could simply move the bedroom furniture into a downstairs room. However, that’s not as effective a solution as it might first appear.
You’re not solving the problem
The problem you’re facing is not being able to get up and down the stairs without discomfort or risk of injury. By moving your bedroom downstairs, you won’t actually be eliminating that problem, and you’re still going to need to go upstairs sometimes.
You might argue that the number of times you’ll have to do so will be drastically reduced, but they’ll still be there, and you’ll be just as likely to experience pain, discomfort, and a sense of danger during every trip. A stairlift solves the problem, while moving downstairs simply ignores it.
You’ll separate yourself from other rooms
Unless you live in a very strange property, the bedroom isn’t going to be the only room upstairs. Most houses don’t have a bathtub or shower downstairs, and you’re likely to store plenty of items upstairs such as clothes. By moving yourself downstairs, you’re making it harder to get to those other rooms. Going to sleep might be easier, but taking a shower or finding an old suit will not be.
You’ll risk feeling helpless
Not to say that people can’t adjust to living on the ground floor just fine, but most underestimate the emotional impact involved. By moving the bed downstairs, you’re somewhat cutting yourself off from a part of the property that you own. We’ve covered the practical problems associated with a physical separation, but the psychological complications of being cut off from the upstairs can be just as tough. The house is yours – you should own each level in a symbolic as well as practical sense.
Your options for stairlifts
Now that you are convinced about the advantages of stairlifts, it may well be in your interest to explore the options available to you. There are mainly two types of stairlifts: straight stairlifts and curved stairlifts.
While straight stairlifts are ideal for straight staircases, curved stairlifts are designed for staircases with landings and turns. You can get curved stairlifts installed in Birmingham (if that’s where you are based) or a straight one, depending on the design of your home interiors.
Summing it up
Stairlifts are the best way to resolve the issue of navigating up and down the stairs with comfort and safety. Moving your bedroom downstairs may seem like a simpler solution, but it is not as effective as it may appear. With a wide range of stairlifts available to suit any staircase shape and design, you can easily find a solution that fits your needs. So, if you struggle with maneuvering stairs, investing in a stairlift can be the best way to ensure your safety and comfort.