Accessibility means flexibility. Not just in what you offer your residents, but how you view the term in the first place.
When’s the last time you thought about whether or not you could open a door? What about going up and down a flight of stairs? These are issues that those with mobility issues have to consider constantly, ranging from wheelchair users to elderly persons with chronic pain. Chairlifts and moving walkways are useful installations that increase both comfort and safety. Elevator companies can make sure they’re installed and maintained properly.
Mobility issues are becoming more of a widespread problem. This is how you resolve it before it gets even worse.
The American Population Is Aging
More and more Americans are reaching over the age of 65. It’s only natural for our residents to follow suit. A recent study found as much as 20% of the population will be 65 years old or older, affecting everything from healthcare to the job market. Aging-in-place is one such area you’ll have to be considering when installing chairlifts. Rather than move to a residential community or a hospice center, more Americans would rather live in the comfort of their own homes.
Aging In Place Is An Increasingly Common Choice
It’s not possible for an elderly individual to age in place without the aid of supportive technology. According to AARP, over 90% of the elderly would much prefer to remain at home for as long as possible. An additional survey saw the same amount, with 90% of seniors hoping they can stay in their own homes as they age. Elevator companies have been preparing for the shift with the aid of accessible chairlifts. These are designed to make difficult daily tasks as seamless as possible.
The Definition Of Accessibility Evolves Every Year
Accessibility means something different to everyone. For a person with arthritis it can mean typing and drawing without lancing pain. For another growing older it can mean getting out of the bathtub without fear of slipping. The lifetime probability of becoming disabled in at least two activities of daily living, or being cognitively impaired, is as high as 70% for elderly persons. Today over 60% of builders actively work on aging-in-place projects. A lift service can give you and your residents a proverbial leg up.
Mobility And Safety Go Hand-In-Hand
Not only is mobility necessary to keep your residents comfortable and independent, it’s also essential to keep them safe. By the time 2050 comes around the number of individuals using paid long-term care services in any setting (at home or at a nursing facility) will double. This means from almost 14 million to well over 25 million. Falls remain the top causes of death from injury for those over the age of 65, according to the Centers Of Disease Control And Prevention. All it takes is a single slip to cause a concussion.
Chairlifts Need To Be Mandatory On All Properties
To keep your residents safe and independent you need to look into chairlifts designed for regular use. The past five years have seen significant increases in the number of remodelers focusing on aging-in-place home modifications, thanks to a survey by NAHB Remodelers. Not only do these include preventative elevator maintenance, they also include bathroom remodeling and kitchen remodeling. It’s also important to service these elevators on a regular basis. A lapse in function can be devastating in an emergency situation.
Accessibility is a human right. Provide your residents with the best in residential lifts by contacting your local Seattle elevator companies.