September is National Falls Prevention Month, a time to spotlight one of the biggest health challenges facing older adults: the risk of falling. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 4 adults over age 65 falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in this age group. Beyond the human cost, the average hospital cost for a fall injury exceeds $30,000.
For many families, one of the most dangerous areas of the home is the staircase. Each step presents a potential risk for tripping, slipping, or losing balance. Fortunately, there’s a proven solution: stairlifts.
Why Staircases Are High-Risk
Stairs require strength, balance, and endurance. For older adults or anyone with mobility issues, these factors can be challenging. Some of the most common reasons staircases become unsafe include:
Joint pain in the knees, hips, or back that makes climbing difficult
Balance or stability issues that increase the risk of dizziness or falls
Shortness of breath or heart conditions that make stairs exhausting
Recovery from surgery or injury that limits safe mobility
Fear of falling, which can lead to avoiding stairs and losing independence
Avoiding the stairs often means being confined to just one floor of the home, reducing quality of life and independence.
How Stairlifts Prevent Falls
A stairlift is more than just a convenience—it’s a critical fall-prevention tool. By safely carrying users up and down the stairs, stairlifts remove one of the most dangerous obstacles in a multi-story home.
Key ways stairlifts reduce fall risks:
Eliminate the need to climb – no more struggling with steps or railings.
Provide stability – a secure seat and safety belt keep the user safe throughout the ride.
Support recovery – ideal for those healing from surgery or injury.
Encourage independence – users don’t have to rely on others to get upstairs.
Peace of mind for families – reducing worry about loved ones falling on the stairs.
What If Your Loved One Resists the Idea of a Stairlift?
It’s not unusual for older adults to hesitate or push back when the idea of a stairlift is introduced. Often, this hesitation comes from worries about losing independence or admitting they need help. Here are a few ways to approach the conversation:
Focus on safety, not dependency. Frame the stairlift as a safety tool, much like wearing a seatbelt. It doesn’t take away independence—it protects it.
Highlight independence. Remind your loved one that using a stairlift helps them continue living comfortably in their own home, instead of being limited to one floor or considering moving.
Emphasize peace of mind. Stress that the stairlift benefits the whole family by reducing the risk of an emergency from a fall.
Bring in an expert. Sometimes hearing directly from a mobility consultant helps ease fears and provides reassurance about the process and options.
Suggest a trial. Many people feel better once they see and try a stairlift in a showroom, realizing it’s comfortable, safe, and easy to use.
Stairlifts as Part of a Fall Prevention Plan
While stairlifts are powerful on their own, they work best when paired with other fall-prevention strategies:
Adding grab bars and railings where needed
Improving lighting in stairways and hallways
Using non-slip flooring
Keeping stairs clear of clutter
Together, these measures can drastically reduce the likelihood of a serious fall.
The Cost of Prevention vs. the Cost of a Fall
Installing a stairlift is an investment in safety and independence. When compared to the potential costs of a fall—including hospital bills, rehab, and long-term care—the value becomes clear. A stairlift is a preventive solution that pays off in both safety and peace of mind.
How Freedom Mobility Solutions Can Help
At Freedom Mobility Solutions, we specialize in stairlift solutions designed to fit your home and lifestyle. We offer:
Our team of trained consultants will help you find the right option, whether you’re looking to purchase or rent.
📞 Contact us today to schedule your consultation:https://www.freedommobilitysolutions.com/maryland-and-nova-stairlifts