A Stairlift Purchase Is Not The End Of Your Life, But The Beginning Of A New One!
Ability Needs|Autumn 2017

GETTING up and down stairs is often one of the greatest challenges facing people suffering from age related disabilities. However, despite being a simple and effective method of overcoming this problem, the stairlift still retains a somewhat unjustified stigma and is still often the subject of much corny and clichéd humour.

A Stairlift Purchase Is Not The End Of Your Life, But The Beginning Of A New One!

The stairlift has been around for over 40 years; naturally, over time, the stairlift has changed in appearance but essentially remains simple in its function. Each year in the UK, it is estimated some 60,000 new stairlifts are installed and without doubt, the stairlift has brought freedom and relief to many thousands of elderly and disabled people over the years. However, it is still an unfortunate fact that many elderly and infirm people prolong the decision to purchase stairlifts for as long as possible. There are many reasons for this, but most often it is a misguided notion that having a stairlift is an acceptance of no-longer being independent, of oldage or waiting for God? Sadly the, often, fierce resistance to acknowledging the benefits of a stairlift can have a detrimental effect upon a person and their remaining quality of life.

People should not be afraid to admit that, when older, it takes more energy to perform every day routine tasks, such as climbing the stairs for example. It is quite understandable for people born in the 1920s & 30’s, brought up before the explosion of labour saving devices, to have a get-on and make-do attitude. Senior citizens should be proud of their past ability to endure austerity, but equally should also be unafraid to embrace modern technology for what it can now offer.

This story is from the Autumn 2017 edition of Ability Needs.

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This story is from the Autumn 2017 edition of Ability Needs.

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