Photo © Freepik
Your adult kids keep talking about them. Your knees complain about them. Your spouse spends all day avoiding them. News articles warn they contribute to the number-one cause of injury among Canadian seniors.
What are we talking about? Stairs in the home! How can an innocent flight of steps cause so much fuss?
Falls
According to Statistics Canada, falls cause 85% of seniors’ injury-related hospitalizations, 95% of all hip fractures, $2 billion a year in direct healthcare costs, and over one third of seniors are admitted to long-term care following hospitalization for a fall. The average Canadian senior stays and extra 10 days in hospital after fall. Falls can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, loss of independence and even death. Fifty percent of all falls causing hospitalization happen at home – very often on the stairs.
What about a stairlift?
A stairlift can be an excellent solution, especially for a straightforward staircase. Stairlifts can range from $3,000-$15,000, need to be regularly maintained, and may require renovations to the inside or outside of your home, such as installing an electric outlet, removing or changing a rail, banister or window sill. Some staircases and upper halls lack enough turn radius to turn and exit the lift once it’s up or down the stairs. Carpet and flooring will be affected by the track system. Once installed, the stairlift can be sold with your home, or removed and re-sold to the vendor for a reduced cost to its original purchase price.
Is it just about the stairs, or….?
Chances are you’ve been in your family home for 25+ years and ‘job jar’ is overflowing. Is it time for a new family to take on those alterations and make it their own? Look critically at how, when and why you use the space. Bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, TV room – what more do you really need?
Has the neighbourhood changed for you?
When the kids leave home, old neighbours move away, your doctor retires and it’s a hassle doing groceries and appointments, maybe it’s no longer the neighbourhood for you. A suburban lifestyle doesn’t make sense when you retire your driver’s licence and sell the car.
Is there an easier way?
In a retirement community, the need for groceries, housework, doctor’s visits, pharmacy visit and hair appointment are all handled in-house. Wellness programs and personalized service help you define and reach your fitness goals. Lifelong learning programs and outings keep you in touch with the community. If you’re lonely, go to the coffee lounge or join an activity; when you want privacy, your suite is your private space.
Set your own pace
Think carefully about how you want to live after leaving the family home. Create that bucket list and choose a community that supports your goals. Be clear about your research and choose a place that offers services that you know you’ll use and enjoy, in a setting where you feel comfortable.
Think about the future. Is care available? Can you ‘age in place’ without having to move again?
Don’t be rushed, bullied or influenced. Research online, talk to friends, go to events and take tours. Accept the offer for lunch – you’ll check out the food and see if you feel at home. Ask about trial stays or respite stays, pack your bags and stay awhile. Ask questions and be confident – you are in control of this process!
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At Delmanor, it’s about people first. It’s about finding the right fit for you. Without any compromises. It is your home. It is your adventure.