Best Way to Approach Your Parents About a Stairlift

There are many reasons why older people might continue to struggle with the stairs long after it’s become unsafe. A home stairlift can transform that challenge into a solution. Let’s look at some ways to discuss the idea of a stairlift with your parents.  

A stairlift can transform a person’s life, yet it’s often those most in need of a stairlift who are also most resistant to actually getting one. In many cases, it’s the adult children of older people who finally convince their struggling parent or parents to invest in a home stairlift, or they 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: 

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

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

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

• They’re part of the ‘stiff upper lip’ generation who soldier on without complaining 

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

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

So, let’s look at some ways to discuss the idea of a stairlift with your parents. Above all, you need 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. They might not even realise – just like you didn’t realise how much they worried for you when you were a teenager, or understand why right? As we go through life, circumstances change, and that’s the same for everyone. If our eyesight starts to deteriorate, we take to wearing glasses. If we struggle to hear well, a hearing aid is a good solution. It’s all about adapting to changing circumstances, and investing in a stairlift is no different. 

It’s often 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, particularly if it happens on the stairs. But how can you approach your parents about the prospect of getting a stairlift, and overcome any resistance you might face? It’s important to go about it the right way. 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 patronised by their own children, no matter how grown-up those children might be. Would you? 

So, let’s look at some ways to discuss the idea of a stairlift with your parents. Above all, you need 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. They might not even realise – just like you didn’t realise how much they worried for you when you were a teenager, or understand why right? As we go through life, circumstances change, and that’s the same for everyone. If our eyesight starts to deteriorate, we take to wearing glasses. If we struggle to hear well, a hearing aid is a good solution. It’s all about adapting to changing circumstances, and investing in a stairlift is no different. 

It’s not about giving in’ to a growing problem; it’s about finding a solution to beat it. And 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 possible. A stairlift can help you achieve that by empowering you to move up and down the stairs in your home in comfort and safety. When diminishing mobility is a slow and gradual process, your parents might not realise 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 it’s about the money, you might be able to help your parents out financially. If they’re reluctant to accept, why not do it as a gift for a birthday or other celebration? Or let them know you’d much rather they spent their money on improving their daily quality of life in their golden years than squirreling it away for you. In any case, a home stairlift might cost less than they imagine. To find out for sure, choose a supplier which offers a free no-obligation home survey and quote for a stairlift designed to suit your parents’ home and meet their needs. There’s no reason you can’t be with your parents for the supplier’s visit, in fact they might appreciate your input. 

Finally, you can enlist the help of others who know first-hand what a difference a stairlift can make. If friends, relatives, or neighbours use a stairlift, ask them to talk to your parents about how it helps them. Or search online for customer testimonials for stairlift companies. Your parents might be more open to opinions expressed by people who are more like themselves in terms of age and life experience.