People are now living longer than ever before thanks to advancements in technology and medicine. While this is great for those involved, it can bring about potential dangers. For instance, as people grow older their body begins to give out which can potentially lead to physical disabilities which makes getting around a little more difficult than usual.
Approximately 53 million Americans live with a disability, and according to a recent study, the most common disability is associated with limited mobility. This type of limited mobility should be complemented by staircases that can be accessed by handicapped people or anyone with physical disabilities. Here are all of the facts on staircases and stair lifts.
Staircases Can Be Dangerous For Older Citizens
A stairlift solution and power chair ramps are great ways for anyone with a physical disability to easily maneuver about staircases. Anyone that needs help from an assistive device is going to benefit greatly from having handicap accessible staircases in their home. Understand that nearly 6.8 million Americans utilize assistive devices to aid their mobility.
Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall. When these falls come by way of falling down staircases, it can increase the danger and harm involved. Keep in mind that amongst these people, nearly 50% of all falls will take place within their own home. So it is imperative to have handicap accessible staircases.
Every year, over two million senior citizens visit the emergency room for injuries caused by a fall. By the year of 2030, older adults, also known as seniors, will account for roughly 20% of the United States population. Be sure to get the most out of your patient lifts and portable handicap ramps.
Staircases Should Be Complemented With Handicap Alternatives
According to AARP and the National Conference of State Legislatures, 90% of people over the age of 65 want to live in their home as long as they can. This statistic means that there are going to need to be accommodations made for older people as they continue to grow over time. If they refuse to move or live somewhere else where they can have a nurses assistance, then they need to be protected in some type of way.
According to HomeAdvisor’s 2016 Aging in Place Report, 48% of homeowners over age 55 say the bathroom is the top area in the home that they have considered modifying for aging in place. This is because much like staircases, this is an area where someone can get hurt. According to HomeAdvisor’s 2016 Aging in Place Report, home service professionals say the top aging-in-place projects they’ve been hired to do include installing grab bars, at just about 71%, and adding entryway wheelchair ramps at 54%.
In Conclusion
There are so many people across the globe that grow old and potentially deal with physical disabilities as their bodies grow old and become frailer. This is a fact of life and it is something that cannot be avoided. So if you have a loved one that is growing old in age, be sure to get help with fixing up medical ramps for staircases.
