Approaching Parents About Getting a Stairlift
There are many reasons why elders might continue to struggle with the stairs. Yet, a stairlift can transform a person’s life and many people are unaware. But how can you approach your parents about the prospect of getting a stairlift, and overcome any resistance you might face?
Seeing your parents struggling with the stairs in their home and worrying for their safety can be distressing, but how can you persuade them to do something about it? A stairlift can transform a person’s life, yet those most in need of one can be reluctant to go ahead and get one. There are many reasons why older people might continue to struggle with the stairs long after it’s become troublesome or unsafe for them to do so.
Maybe they believe they’re more physically capable than they really are and don’t realize the danger they’re in on the stairs, or it could be that they see a stairlift as ‘giving in’ to old age or affliction. Some older people mistakenly see getting a stairlift as giving up their independence, or they could be reluctant to spend savings they’d rather pass on to loved ones. It could just be that they don’t want to ‘make a fuss’ and would rather soldier on without complaining. Whatever the reason, some friendly persuasion might be called for. It’s often the sons and daughters of older people who first notice how much their parents are struggling with the stairs. But how can you approach your parents about the prospect of getting a stairlift, and overcome any resistance you might face?
It’s important to go about it the right way. No-one likes to feel they’re being pushed into something or browbeaten. What’s more, no parent likes to feel they’re being patronized or told what’s best for them by their own children. Would you? Above all, you need to be open and honest. Let your parents know it upsets you to see them struggling when they don’t have to, and how much you worry for their safety. They might not even realize how you feel – just like you didn’t realize how much they worried for you when you were a teenager, or understand why they would.
When diminishing mobility is a slow and gradual process, your parents might not realize how much it’s affecting them. It’s often others who notice first, especially if they haven’t seen someone in a while. Investing in a stairlift is about adapting to changing circumstances. It’s not about ‘giving in’ to a growing problem; it’s about finding a solution to beat it. And relying on a stairlift isn’t losing your independence – it’s protecting it. People are living longer and most want to stay living independently in their own home for as long as possible. A stairlift can help with that, by removing the obstacle of stairs and effectively turning a two-story home into a bungalow.
Some parents are reluctant to spend savings which they planned to pass on to their children. If that’s the case, you might need to let them know you’d prefer they spent their money on enhancing their own lives rather than squirreling it away for you. If the cost of a stairlift is an issue, you might be able to help your parents out financially, maybe as a gift for a birthday or other celebration? In any case, a home stairlift might cost less than they imagine. To find out for sure, choose a supplier that offers a free no-obligation home survey and quote for a stairlift designed to meet your parents’ needs and suit their home.
If friends, relatives, or neighbours already use a stairlift, ask them to talk to your parents about how it helps them. Or help your parents search online for reviews from stairlift buyers, setting out what they think of their stairlift and the company which supplied it. Your parents might be more open to opinions expressed by people who are more like themselves in terms of age and life experience.