Most of us take for granted that we can easily stand, walk through a room or up a flight of stairs, and then sit again. We can easily sleep in a bed without undue pain or a struggle to rise the next morning.
Unfortunately, for many people, those steps are incredibly difficult and even painful. Whether it’s a condition like multiple sclerosis or simply the impact of arthritis in our old age, mobility is often limited for people who are otherwise very healthy and independent.
As these conditions progress, it becomes increasingly clear to the person and those around him or her that there must be some provisions made to provide a safer, more independent life.
Of course, the most common barrier at this point is cost. Many people believe that they cannot afford the equipment necessary to improve their mobility and keep their home more comfortable for everyday life. While there are costs associated with these upgrades, they don’t have to be the financial burden that we might assume they are. It is easier than you may think to buy the items needed to stay safely at home.
Maybe the most important thing to note about these items is that they are durable goods. In other words, a piece of furniture like a lift chair recliner is the same type of product as a regular recliner, so you can often finance these items just as you would a new dining room table or a sectional. The flexibility to pay over time is a big benefit to people living on a fixed income, or to anybody who likes to take on major expenses in smaller payments.
We often expect costs to be astronomical if we’re ever required to make structural changes to the home. We assume that if Mom and Dad can no longer safely walk up the steps to the upstairs bedroom, we’ll have to add another room on the first floor, or maybe convince them to sell the house and move to a single-level residence.
This is another misconception! To begin with, many people prefer to sleep in lift recliners, which could potentially eliminate the need to go to a bedroom each night. But for those who still do want to cover up in that comfortable king-sized bed, it is easier and more affordable than ever to install stair lifts or add handrails to make the upstairs of a home more accessible. Sometimes simple upgrades like removing carpeting can be all it takes to make steps easier to climb and descend. It’s very important to look at the situation carefully before making rash moves!
Other improvements can stay with us wherever we go. Walking aids like canes and crutches are made very differently these days, with more comfortable grips and sturdier construction. They can help people to steady themselves, improving their health by getting them to walk more.
Once mobility reaches the point where seated assistance is necessary, the technology is better than ever today. Power chairs, wheelchairs, scooters, and other devices are more lightweight today. Their batteries last longer and charge faster, and there are lots of ways to carry them in or on a vehicle. These devices can go a long way toward keeping mobility issues from trapping people at home.
Many of these personal devices are covered by Medicare and private insurance, so affordability is less of an issue than it is with things that are installed in the home. It is vital for seniors and others to review their coverage and know what types of help are available to them, and just how much they’ll have to pay.
Our mobility defines our quality of life. When we are less mobile, our quality of life declines. Don’t assume these devices are too expensive. The independence they provide makes it worth checking out the cost.
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