Move to a Bungalow or Install a Stairlift? Pros and Cons

As we get older, stairs can become more and more of a challenge, making it harder to enjoy the freedom of moving independently through your own home. Stairs can become a major obstacle for anyone with mobility issues, often making people feel restricted. Because of this, some people decide that moving home into a bungalow is the best option, but this brings with it a whole host of other considerations. Luckily, there is a less drastic solution.

Stairlifts are a wonderful way of helping you maintain that vital independence without forcing you to sacrifice any upstairs space, and can be a much less stressful alternative to finding a new home nearby.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mobility problems around the house, and finding it hard to cope, it’s a good idea to consider the benefits and drawbacks of installing a stairlift and moving home entirely. In this article we’re going to do just that!

Pros and cons

No nasty falls:

Stairs become a main cause of nasty accidents and falls in the home as we get older, and these unfortunate occasions can often lead to serious injury and hospitalisation. Without stairs, this simply won’t be a problem anymore, which can be a huge appeal to anyone worried about an elderly relative who lives alone. Moving from a two – or even three – story home into a bungalow can definitely be a great safety precaution.

Stairlifts also help to eliminate the risk of falls, without forcing you to sacrifice the upstairs space. Stairlifts provide a smooth and reliable way to travel between floors, and are equipped with modern safety features to keep you out of harm’s way during day-to-day use.

Cost:

Undertaking a move will be a burden on the finances, even if you’re downsizing. Cost fluctuates greatly, depending on location and time of year, and there can be a host of extra fees to deal with that raises the cost, too. For many, moving home is simply too expensive, especially when you bring the benefits of stairlifts into the mix.

Stairlifts bring a much more predictable cost, one that you can keep in control of. You can buy reconditioned stairlifts from as little as £850, or brand new stairlifts for under £1,400. There are many different models to choose from, and even more expensive curved stairlifts can be found from less than £3,400. Stairlifts offer a great value for money; after the initial expenditure, you can enjoy unrestricted upstairs access without any of the long, drawn out hassles that come with moving home.

Time commitment:

Selling, buying and moving home can take months to complete – and sometimes even longer. You’re relying on finding the right buyer, and then for that buyer to be ready to move into your home in a reasonable amount of time. You’re also relying on the owner of your new home, and also making sure that all your affairs are settled in time, too. Sometimes it feels like moving home is the same as waiting for the stars to align, and the general unpredictability of the process can be exhausting. You should also consider that, if the move takes a while to go through, you’ll still have to put up with your stairs as they are until the new place is ready.

As you might expect, the process of installing a stairlift is much quicker, providing a fantastic host of benefits in a far more agreeable time period than moving home. To have a stairlift installed, all you need to do is give your chosen stairlift company a ring, discuss your requirements, undergo a free home consultation and then schedule the installation for a day of your choosing. This process is much easier to manage, and gives you a lot more control, providing almost immediate benefits without having to rely on third parties.

Stress factor:

Moving home is a major cause of stress at the best of times, and can be even more so for elderly or disabled people. The long, drawn out process, the discussions and negotiations, not to mention the stress of moving day itself, can all take their toll. Moving home can be incredibly arduous, even with professional help.

Installing a stairlift is a much calmer process. You only need to interact with your stairlift supplier, and the friendly team who will come to you to plan and install your stairlift. After that, you’re free to enjoy a brand new stairlift in your own home, without having to worry about arranging the packing, transport and all the niggling little factors that come with a home removal. You can also receive dedicated aftercare service for a stairlift, meaning you have a team of experts on hand to deal with any problems you might have with your stairlift, for as long as you have it.

Location:

Finding the right home can be tough, and sometimes the home best suited to your needs might be further away than you expect. Moving to a bungalow might mean having to move further away from close family or friends, and this can be tough for elderly people who live alone, or who have a less active social life.

Opting for a stairlift lets you stay put. If you’re already living in a dream location, or are comfortable where you already are, moving home could feel like too much of a change. A stairlift not only preserves the upstairs space of your home, but also allows you to stay close to family, friends and neighbours. This can be hugely important if you ever need support, or if your family ever want to drop by to lend a helping hand.

In the end, a stairlift brings all the benefits of moving to a bungalow without any of the pain or hassle attached. Your can stay in the home you’ve grown accustomed to, near the people you care about, while maintaining your independence. A stairlift can suit just about any staircase in any home, so if you think that moving home is the only choice, give a stairlift a second thought and you might be surprised!

Stechford Mobility provide a range of curved and straight stairlifts at affordable prices, ideal for anybody with mobility issues. All our stairlifts are safe, reliable and easy to use, and come with our dedicated aftercare service, so if you ever run into any problems, a member of our friendly team will be on hand to provide all the advice and assistance you need. To find out more, please feel free to contact us today – we are always happy to help.