START THE CONVERSATION
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR LOVED ONE ABOUT MOBILITY
The mobility challenges that come with aging can be difficult to handle for both the person experiencing them and the loved ones around them. If your parent, grandparent, or senior loved one is no longer able to navigate staircases or steps in and around their home, you may be wondering what you can do to help. We wondered the very same thing, which is what led us to start Elevated Mobility Solutions.
We wanted more people to be able to live in the home they love in the midst of decreased mobility. If your loved one is struggling with accessing their home due to steps, stairs, or sunken or raised rooms, our home elevators, stair lifts, and vertical platform lifts can be the solution! Below, we’ve outlined some tips that can help you broach the subject with your loved one in a respectful, diplomatic manner. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance.
KEEP THE CONVERSATION CALM AND POSITIVE
It can be tempting to jump right in to a tough conversation in the heat of the moment. Perhaps your loved one has just tripped or taken a slight stumble on the stairs, and a mix of fear and worry convinces you that now is the time to talk. While this conversation is important, the timing is equally if not more important. Choose a time when you are not stressed or high strung to sit down with your loved one to discuss their mobility options. Writing down your ideas beforehand or talking them through with another person can help you feel more collected for the real conversation.
BE MINDFUL OF YOUR LOVED ONE’S INDEPENDENCE
It’s important to remember that your loved one deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Facing the reality of one’s own mobility challenges is often very difficult, and knowing that other people have taken notice can be embarrassing. Try to focus on putting the choice in your loved one’s hands, rather than framing it as your own demand that they must meet. Consider asking questions rather than making statements. For example, inquire whether your loved one would enjoy not having to use the stairs, or if there are parts of their home that would be more enjoyable without steps. Depending on their answers, you may see an opportunity to mention incorporating an elevator, stair lift, or vertical platform lift into their home.
HIGHLIGHT WHAT IT WILL ENABLE THEM TO DO, NOT WHAT THEY CAN’T DO
By focusing on the improvements that mobility enhancements can bring to your loved one’s life, you’ll be able to make a much better case for implementing them in their home. Benefits of our lift options include quick, pain-free stair ascent, hassle-free transport of items between floors, dependable USA-made equipment, and added value to the home. You can even mention the secondary benefits, such as the ability to do laundry more easily when the closet is upstairs but the laundry room is downstairs.
Your loved one may have the impression that a home elevator or stair lift must be bulky and unappealing, but the truth is that they can be aesthetically pleasing and even a bit luxurious! Keep the conversation focused on improving the home, not accommodating your loved one.
MENTION YOUR OWN PEACE OF MIND
If you’re worried about your loved one remaining in their home due to mobility concerns, share your feelings. Focus on “I” statements, such as “I want you to be able to stay in your home, but I’m worried the layout isn’t safe.” Avoid pinning your loved one as the problem by making “you” statements: “You’re going to fall and hurt yourself if you don’t make a change.” Comments like these are unhelpful and more likely to anger your loved one or put them on the defensive. Show them that you genuinely care about their safety, and keep the “blame” on the stairs, not your loved one.
HELP THEM REALIZE EVERYONE BENEFITS FROM THE UPGRADE
The wonderful thing about accessibility enhancements is that they make things better for everyone, not just the person who needs them. Everyone is at risk for stumbles and falls when using stairs or steps, so your loved one will simply be one of the many people who benefit from a home elevator, stair lift, or vertical platform lift. Small children, your loved one’s friends, and the whole family will enjoy skipping the stairs in favor of a smooth ascent — especially if they have their hands full. Even a senior pet can enjoy the ride!
IDAHO RESIDENTS — CONTACT US FOR A FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION
Ready to learn more about our home mobility enhancements? Contact us today for more information and to schedule your free in-home consultation. We can’t wait for you to discover how convenient and affordable staying in the home you love can be with Elevated Mobility Solutions!