One in four older adults falls every year, at a cost of $50 billion annually, according to the CDC. Preventing falls is key, and so is removing hazards in the home that could be conducive to falls. An elevator installed in the home can lessen the risk of taking a stumble down steep stairs.
A home elevator has many benefits to anyone, but especially older Americans over the age of 65. In addition to preventing falls, elevators can:
- Increase home value.
- Provide a safer route to access multiple stories in a home.
- Give a sense of luxury.
- Allow many older adults to age in place rather than spend upwards of $10,000 per month in a retirement home.
- Save money and prevent severe injuries.
- Allow older adults to remain living at home far longer than they normally would be able to.
- Give children peace of mind knowing their parent is safely navigating stairs, leading to a decreased need for constant home care.
Additional Home Elevator Safety Accessories
Of course, an elevator alone may not meet the safety needs of your loved one. You’ll also want to ensure they are equipped with the latest safety features and devices to further prevent risk of fall and injury. These may include:
- Built-in grab bars.
- Rechargeable battery so the elevator operates during power outages.
- Low-step for easy access.
- Carpeted, non-slip floor.
- Auto-stop sensors that alert passenger when an object is in the unit’s path.
- Sliding, retractable door to reduce the risk of getting caught while moving.
- Built-in phone or alert panel to summon help if the elevator gets stuck or the passenger falls while inside the car.
Do You Need a Home Elevator?
While we all age differently and at varying rates, one thing is clear: we all suffer vision loss, decreased reaction times and decreased coordination over time. All of these factors contribute to fall and injury risk. The National Institute on Aging says that six out of every 10 falls happen at home, a place that we spend much of our time in, usually moving around without a second thought to safety. If you plan to age in place, you’ll have to face the facts when it comes to recognizing the risk of falling and taking steps to minimize that risk. An elevator is one component that can help.
You may be a good candidate for a home elevator if you:
- Have poor vision
- Have poor balance and coordination
- Are over the age of 65 or are in poor health
- Have arthritis or other condition that makes climbing stairs difficult
- Have fallen in the past
- Live on your own with no one else in the home
Contact Mowrey Elevator
Here at Mowrey Elevator, we have a variety of residential elevators and stair lifts that may suit your needs. To learn more, contact us today.