Caring for elderly parents poses many things to think about. More often than not, reduced mobility and/or falls(2) are the reason(s) why you think about it for your ageing parents.
Did you know the staircase is usually the biggest obstacle: it’s scary to realise that 43,000 people each year are hospitalised as a result of a fall on stairs(3).
You are worried how they are coping at home. You probably have a busy household and are worried about the impact of making your home safe for your parent(s)will have on the rest of the family.
But you can make it safe…
Ideally, you want your parents to stay in their own home for as long as possible. When their mobility- and stability- means that is no longer safe, how easy is it to adapt your home so they can live with you?
The obvious solution is to install a stairlift but that impinges on the stairway and therefore stair safety for their partner in their home, and the rest of the family in yours.
It has to be physically fitted to the structure, be it the wall- assuming that is strong enough to bear the load- or the floor.
Either way, there is the cost and disruption of “making good” when it is no longer needed. If they or you live in a town house, then you need two! Twice the cost, twice the disruption, twice the impact on everyone else…
You could fit a through-floor lift- if there is the layout and space up and down stairs to accommodate it. If they or you live in a town house, then you need two.
Again, there is the cost and disruption of “making good” when it is no longer needed.
The S-Max stairclimber could be your answer, for both their own home or if they’re moving in with you.
S-Max is a proven solution. The German-engineered device has an impeccable safety record built up over 20 years, with thousands now in daily use across Britain.
The portable, battery-powered S-Max can either be fitted to a wheelchair or have an integral seat (S-Max Sella). Easy to use (with appropriate training), even the most petite person can safely transfer their elderly parent up, down stairs, with each charge of the battery delivering 300 steps.
Our S-Max is fully adjustable to suit each operator and passenger. It makes caring for elderly parents in your - or their- home easier.
The high centre of gravity optimises stability, requiring only a slight tilt of the machine by the operator. Lightweight, it is easy to steer, even round turns on the staircase. A range of accessories ensures your elderly parent is safe and secure.
The rate of climb/descent is fully controllable. S-Max’s unique ComfortStep delivers a smooth, comfortable climb or descent, automatically adjusting to variation in riser height and gently braking on the edge of each riser to facilitate the process for the operator.
Unlike a stairlift, you then have the freedom- and safety- to continue the journey onwards (to bathroom, bedroom, lounge, kitchen, into the garden) without the need for a potentially dangerous transfer off at the top or bottom of the stairs.
When you reach “destination”, the S-Max can be set on its slowest setting to raise up and assist the transfer from S-Max to chair or standing.
It can be stowed away when not in use, optimising living space within the home and, imprtatly, leaving the staircase clear and unobstructed.
It folds small enough to pop into a car boot, so can travel with you to visit other members of the family, trips out, holidays without compromise on where to go because of steps and stairs.
All for less than a month’s stay in a care home. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get one free via your local social services.
Hayley Thomson-Kail has an S-Max Sella from her council for her father who has Huntington’s Disease:
“We all think it is brilliant! We were a bit wary at first, but once we were shown how to use it, and adjust the speed to suit what we are comfortable with, we all love it, even Dad. With the various harness straps, we know Dad is safe during the transfer, with no risk of him catching his legs even in chorea. I can’t imagine life without it.”
Phil Sanderson bought one to enable him and his wife Mel to stay in their three-storey home when Mel lost her mobility.
“It really is a fantastic piece of kit,” says Phil.“Before we got the S-Max, we were basically trapped in the basement. Once trained it is very simple to use. Now we can go out for leisure and appointments after months of being stuck inside. It even means we can have family occasions upstairs as we used to, with ease!
“I would recommend the S-Max for anyone who needs help getting up and down stairs.”
As the exclusive supplier of S-Max, we support you all the way, with free, no obligation assessments, full training, and optional service & maintenance via its national network of assessment professionals. Caring for elderly parents becomes less of a worry.
Find out more here: https://www.aatgb.com/s-max-sella/ or call 01978 821875, email sales@aatgb.com.
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