For many people a stairlift is simply a faster, safer way to help them up and down the stairs of their home. For others it can feel like admitting that their health and independence aren’t quite what they used to be, which can be daunting. Whatever the initial reaction may be, health issues or getting older is a natural part of life.
It’s hard to see the ones we love struggle with their mobility, and it can be even harder bringing up the subject of mobility support with those who pride themselves on their independence. You might be worried that suggesting a stairlift would make your loved one feel that you think they are no longer able to manage on their own. However, it is important that we ensure our loved ones don’t push themselves to prove their ability, as this can cause strain or accidents that can leave their mobility even worse than before.
Stairlifts are designed to increase independence while allowing them to stay in the home they know and love. They’re nothing more than a practical way to make everyday life easier, safer and more comfortable. At Stairlift Express we have been able to help even the most dubious of customers to thrive in their own home, leaving them healthier, happier and more confident than ever.
The first step toward supporting your loved ones is having an open, honest conversation about your concerns and what support is available to them. However, if you’re worried about how to raise the subject, here are five positive ways to help approach the conversation.
1. Start with their feelings, not the stairlift
It can be tempting to start your conversation straight to the point, simply stating, “I think it’s time you got a stairlift.”. In a lot of cases this will immediately put your loved one on the defensive, feeling confronted, emotional, frustrated or annoyed.
You want to ensure that you start the conversation correctly, allowing your loved one to take the lead in the conversation while still steering toward positive results.We suggest starting with a casual question, allowing them to open up about their feelings; this is a great way to test the waters before bringing up the idea of a stairlift. Start with a simple question: ask them how they’ve been feeling about using the stairs lately. To keep the question light, just casually mention small details like you’ve noticed it’s been taking them a little longer than usual or that they seem to be causing them discomfort. Make sure to say this in a way that allows them to see it comes from a place of genuine empathy and not from pity.
Once you’ve asked your initial question, it’s time to let them talk as much or as little as they want. You might be surprised and find that your loved one has already noticed that they may need extra support and is open to a conversation about their needs and feelings. However, some may not be so quick to admit they need support; as human beings, it’s not always easy to admit we need help, even to ourselves, let alone others. You may need to keep the conversation going with further questions, but you don’t want to be pushy, as this will have the opposite effect that you desire. You may find that they’re initially dismissive of the idea but simply approaching the subject in small steps can help open them up to the idea and make way for future conversations.
2. Focus on their independence, not their limitations
Once you know your loved one is happy to continue the conversation, it is important to let them know that asking for help isn’t about admitting their limitations; it’s about nurturing their independence. One of the biggest concerns they may have expressed about getting a stairlift is that it feels like admitting they are getting older or less independent. Try turning that idea around by letting them know you aren’t worried about how independent they are; you know they’re resilient. Let them know that a stairlift isn’t necessarily about giving independence up; it can actually help them to keep doing the things they want to do without unnecessary strain.
Stick to the positives! Being able to easily access an upstairs bedroom or bathroom and having less need to rearrange their daily routine around using the stairs. A change in perspective can make a big difference; focus on the positive things that a stairlift could give them. Let them know that your concerns are purely about their comfort and wellbeing and not about whether or not they’re capable; a stairlift is simply a tool to make things easier and safer. It’s not that you think that they are going to hurt themselves, but you love them too much to want to take that chance, no matter how small it may be.
You could say, “It’s not that I don’t think you’re capable or self-sufficient enough; it’s about making sure you can use every part of your home comfortably and safely without any unnecessary strain.”
A stairlift is a tool to help them increase their independence, quite like wearing prescription glasses to see better. It’s not about admitting you need help; it’s about harnessing your full potential and making life a little easier.
3. Listen to their questions or concerns
It’s completely normal for someone to have questions or hesitations about getting a stairlift. They may worry that their home is not suitable for installation, that it might take up too much room or that it might be difficult to use. They also might be concerned about the cost or what happens if they change their mind.
There are a lot of things they may need to consider before making a final decision; it may even take weeks of conversations and research to help them decide. It is important not to dismiss any of their concerns; instead, listen and work through them together.
If they’re worried about how a stairlift would look or fit, you could suggest looking at some examples of stairlifts online. If they’re concerned about whether one would fit their staircase, you can discuss how a free professional assessment can help determine what options are available for their home. If the cost of the stairlift is their biggest concern, then it would be beneficial to go through what options are available, including new systems, reconditioned options and rentals. There are also grants and funding available in some situations which could help lessen concerns. A good stairlift provider, like Stairlift Express, is happy to help guide you through your options and help answer any questions you may have. Getting in touch with our team at Stairlift Express does not mean you are obligated to work with us; we are happy to help guide you through your mobility journey without the pressure to commit.
The important thing is to make sure your loved ones don’t feel pressured into making a decision before they’re ready. Help them to gather all the information they need to feel secure that they are making the right decision for them.
4. Suggest finding out more without committing to anything
Sometimes the hardest part is that people think talking to a stairlift provider like Stairlift Express means they have to buy one. We know how big of a step a stairlift can be to some customers, and we are there to support them however much or little they want. You can suggest simply finding out what’s available and seeing whether a stairlift would actually work for their home before they commit to a provider. Shop around for different models or types, listing any pros and cons they may have before narrowing it down.
For example, you can always start with: “Why don’t we just look into it? We don’t have to decide anything right now. It might be useful to know what the options are.”
You can look at the different types of stairlifts, understanding how they work and getting an idea of what would be suitable. Walk them through the various options available, asking questions along the way about how they feel about certain aspects like buying or renting and extra features they may find helpful. Your loved one may already have an idea of what’s available and what they want, or they may have no idea where to start. Make sure the decision is in their hands, as this can make the idea feel much less daunting. Let them control the budget, the system type and the provider; they will be a lot happier knowing that everything is in their control. On the other hand, if they feel overwhelmed with the decision, helping them find a solution and navigate providers as a person they trust can be beneficial, but only be as involved as they request.
4. Suggest finding out more without committing to anything
Sometimes the hardest part is that people think talking to a stairlift provider like Stairlift Express means they have to buy one. We know how big of a step a stairlift can be to some customers, and we are there to support them however much or little they want. You can suggest simply finding out what’s available and seeing whether a stairlift would actually work for their home before they commit to a provider. Shop around for different models or types, listing any pros and cons they may have before narrowing it down.
For example, you can always start with: “Why don’t we just look into it? We don’t have to decide anything right now. It might be useful to know what the options are.”
You can look at the different types of stairlifts, understanding how they work and getting an idea of what would be suitable. Walk them through the various options available, asking questions along the way about how they feel about certain aspects like buying or renting and extra features they may find helpful. Your loved one may already have an idea of what’s available and what they want, or they may have no idea where to start. Make sure the decision is in their hands, as this can make the idea feel much less daunting. Let them control the budget, the system type and the provider; they will be a lot happier knowing that everything is in their control. On the other hand, if they feel overwhelmed with the decision, helping them find a solution and navigate providers as a person they trust can be beneficial, but only be as involved as they request.
5. Give them time to make their own decision
The most important thing is to take this journey together at a pace they’re happy with, ensuring not to turn any conversations into an argument. If your loved one is not quite ready to have a full conversation, give them time to consider the idea on their own. Even if you believe a stairlift would make their life considerably easier, they may not be ready to make a decision straight away. Let the conversation progress naturally; they may be open to the idea and be eager to get the process going, or they may shut you down completely at first.
Do not push! Keep the conversation open and let them know you’re there to help when they’re ready to talk about it. If they are initially dismissive, you could say, “You don’t have to decide anything today. I just want you to know there are options if the stairs are becoming difficult, and I’m here to help however I can.”.
Do not pester or push decisions onto them; this could make them even more reluctant than before. You can always come back to the subject another time, but don’t constantly bring it up if you know it’s making them unhappy. Often leaving them to consider the possibility by themselves can help them feel in control. Once they have had time to think everything through themselves, they may even come to you with the subject themselves.
Even if your loved one is happy with the idea of installing a stairlift during the first conversations, let them know they don’t have to pick anything right away. Let them know you are happy to go at their pace and that you are happy to give them as much of your time as they need. Talk through all the options and give them time to decide, making sure they know nothing has to be decided straight away. You may find that they want to shop around independently, which is great; just let them know you’re here if they have any questions or need any help.
Remember: it's all about making life easier!
Talking to someone you love about getting a stairlift can feel like a sensitive conversation, but it doesn’t have to be a negative one. The key is to approach the subject with empathy and not pity. Listen to their concerns, understand how they feel and focus on the benefits to their lifestyle, mobility and independence. For many people, the biggest benefit of installing a stairlift isn’t simply getting up and down the stairs easier. It’s the confidence that comes from knowing they can continue to comfortably navigate their home.
If you’re considering a stairlift for a loved one, take the time to explore the options together in a positive and proactive way. Take time to find the right solution that supports their lifestyle and, most importantly, help them maintain their independence for as long as possible. Contact Stairlift Express today for professional support and guidance surrounding stairlifts and how they can help your loved one retain their independence.
