The Best Way to Approach Your Parents About a Stairlift

A home stairlift can transform a person’s life. It’s best to understand how can you approach your parents about the prospect of getting a stairlift. Let’s take a look at some ways to discuss the idea of a stairlift with your parents.

A home stairlift can transform a person’s life, yet it’s often those most in need of a who is also most resistant to getting one. 

It’s often the adult children of older people who finally convince their struggling parent to invest in a home stairlift – or make the purchase for them. There are many reasons why older people might continue to struggle with the stairs long after it’s become difficult or unsafe for them, including: 

• They think they’re more physically capable than they really are and don’t realize the danger they’re in on the stairs. 

• They see a stairlift as ‘giving in’ to old age or affliction 

• It’s what they’ve always done and old habits are hard to break 

• They want to retain their independence and not rely on a machine for help 

• They’re part of the generation who soldier on without complaining 

• They’re reluctant to spend savings they’d rather pass on to loved ones 

Above all, you have to be open and honest. Let them know it upsets you to see them struggling when there’s no need to, and how much you worry for their safety at home. They might not even realize how you’re feeling – remember when you were a teenager and couldn’t understand why your parent worried about you? As we go through life, circumstances change, but we learn to adapt. If our eyesight starts to deteriorate, we take to wearing eyeglasses. If we struggle to hear well, a hearing aid is a logical solution. It’s all about adapting to changing circumstances, and investing in a stairlift is no different. It’s not aboutgiving in’ to a growing problem; it’s about finding a solution to beat it.  

Often it’s the sons and daughters of older people who first notice just how much their parents are struggling to get around, especially going up and down the stairs. They worry about what might happen if a parent has a fall on the stairs. But how can you approach your parents about the prospect of getting a stairlift, especially if you think they might be hostile to the idea? No-one likes to feel they’re being pushed into something, and when they do feel that way, they’re much more likely to dig their heels in and refuse to budge. Moreover, no parent likes to feel they’re being patronized by their own children, no matter how grown-up those children might be. Would you? Let’s take a look at some ways to discuss the idea of a stairlift with your parents.  

Relying on a stairlift isn’t losing your independence – it’s protecting it. People are living longer and most want to stay living independently in their own home for as long as reasonably possible. A home stairlift can help you achieve that by empowering you to move up and down your stairs in comfort and safety. When diminishing mobility is a slow and gradual process, your parents might not realize how much it’s affecting them. It’s often others who notice first, especially if they haven’t seen someone in a while. A home stairlift can futureproof your home against that gradual process, and even help to slow it. 

If the cost of a home stairlift is going to be an issue for your parents, you might be able to help them out financially. If they’re reluctant to accept, why not do it as a gift for a birthday or other celebration? You can also let them know you’d much rather they spent their money on improving their quality of life for their golden years, instead of squirreling it away for you. A home stairlift might also cost less than your parents imagine. To find out for sure, choose a supplier who offers a free no-obligation home survey and quote. There’s no reason you can’t be with your parents for the supplier’s visit, in fact, they might appreciate your input. 

If friends, relatives, or neighbors use a stairlift, ask them to talk to your parents about how it helps them. Or search online for customer testimonials for leading stairlift suppliers. Your parents might be more open to opinions expressed by people who are more like themselves in terms of age and life experience. When you were growing up, your parents usually knew what was best for you, even if you didn’t appreciate it at the time. Maybe the time has come to return the favor?