Ask older homeowners where they want to live in ten years and most give the same answer: right here. The obstacle is usually the staircase. A home elevator removes it, and with it the main reason people feel pushed to move.
Why the stairs matter so much
A fall on the stairs can change someone’s life in a moment. Long before that happens, many people quietly begin avoiding the upper floor, sleeping on a sofa or giving up a favourite room. An elevator gives the whole house back.
What makes an elevator senior friendly
- A level entry. No step up into the cab, so a walker or wheelchair rolls straight in.
- Room to turn. Enough space for a mobility aid and, ideally, a second person.
- Simple controls. Large, clearly marked buttons at a comfortable height.
- A handrail and good lighting.
- A phone or alarm in the cab.
- Battery lowering. The cab returns to a floor if the power fails.
Plan for tomorrow as well as today
Someone who walks unaided now may use a walker or a wheelchair later. Choosing a cab large enough for that from the outset avoids replacing the elevator down the line.
Which type suits an existing home
A shaftless elevator is the easiest to add to a two-story house. A pneumatic elevator can reach additional floors and still needs no pit. A traditional elevator gives the largest cab and the widest choice of finishes, with more building work.
For adult children helping a parent
- Raise the subject early, before a crisis forces a rushed decision
- Involve your parent in choosing, so it feels like their home improvement
- Arrange a home visit so everyone can ask questions together
If an elevator is more than you need
A stair lift is a quicker and less expensive answer for someone who can still sit down and stand up comfortably.
A free home visit
Nationwide Lifts of New York helps families around Albany, Glens Falls and Poughkeepsie plan for the years ahead. Call 888-323-8755.