Many seniors want to live independently for as long as they can instead of moving to a retirement community.
But that means that seniors and their families have to strike a balance between in-home assistance and independence. After retirement, some people only need a little help. But others are just a slip away from requiring intensive care. If you live in a house with narrow hallways or steep stairs, your risk of injury increases. But living in an assisted living facility isn’t your only option. A home lift is a great option for help with mobility.
Is a Lift Safe?
Many homeowners are concerned about the structural integrity of the house when installing a lift. You might be worried that it might negatively impact the resale value of your home. While this is a natural concern, consider the safety of installing one. It’s important to work with experts in home lifts, who understand security, permits, and other specific requirements. An expert will make sure it’s installed properly so it can be removed later if necessary, without damaging the structure.
Who Can Benefit from One?
Many people consider lifts to be useful for only those in wheelchairs. However, you don’t have to be limited to a wheelchair to benefit from them. Anyone with age-related issues such as visual impairments or mobility concerns might not want to risk walking up and down their stairs. Even if you can live by yourself without other assistance, a lift can promote independence and offer comfort. That’s even truer if you don’t want to move your bedroom from the upstairs to the downstairs. Plus, many seniors prefer to be able to enjoy all levels of their home.
This is a great option where you can’t install a ramp. Ramps might make your front door more accessible, but they don’t work well for moving from one level of your home to the next. Lifts are good options for those who use walkers or canes. Many seniors fall while at home, and having to use the stairs might increase that risk. With a lift, you may have a safer home environment.
Paying for One
Lifts are often a great mobility solution, but some people find them difficult to afford. But when you’re considering one, compare that one-time cost to the monthly fees of assisted living facilities. Even if you have to hire a part-time caregiver, living by yourself is often less expensive than moving to a senior living facility. Plus, you’ll have more space by remaining independent, which might improve your quality of life.
If mobility issues are the only thing preventing you from remaining independent, you might be able to offset some of the costs of installation. For example, some people can deduct some of the costs of accessibility modifications from their taxes. Have your doctor make a recommendation that it’s medically necessary. You’ll also want to check with your healthcare plan and insurance policies to see if they’ll cover part or all of the cost of the modification.
