Promoting Independence as you get older…
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When mobility starts to reduce, one of the hardest parts is dealing with the frustration that can come with it. Someone going from being physically active and independent to relying on somebody else for everything can leave them feeling vulnerable and cause them to struggle emotionally. Whilst I may only be 35, I have experienced first hand the frustration when your body doesn’t do what you want it to do. After having Neve and contracting sepsis, I wasn’t able to walk for a period of 5 weeks, eventually coming out of hospital and staying with my in laws, who luckily for me lived in a bungalow. With the assistance of daily physiotherapy, lots of mobility aids and a positive mental attitude, I slowly but surely got myself back on my feet. But what happens when you can’t? In cases of the elderly or those with chronic conditions, a lack of mobility can be a really difficult challenge to overcome.
My Mum was a carer for my Nan who lived alone from the age of 70 to the age of 83. She was used to being in an house by herself, and was a very VERY proud woman, so would try and do things unassisted where ever she could, hating the idea of being a burden to anyone.
Despite all her best intentions, her arthritis got tot the point where she was really struggling to get around her home, and at this point wee all started asking how much does a stairlift cost? and started some research into whether a stairlift was a suitable option for her and her home.
Unless you have the luxury of a bungalow (which sadly my Nan didn’t), stairs are a daily challenge for any one who lives at home alone. One of our biggest concerns was that my Nan would have a fall on the way up or down the stairs. She was becoming increasingly immobile and occasionally she would become very stiff or her legs would give way. Whilst she had a carer who came twice a day, it was always a concern that she may fall and not be found for some time, and it made us all feel very anxious.
Her bathroom and toilet was also upstairs, We hated the thought of her feeling trapped or only able to use certain parts of her home, particularly when this was the home where she felt safe and didn’t want to leave.
Installing a stair lift that slowly took her up and round the stairs to her bedroom and bathroom allowed my Nan to retain her independence in the house that held so many precious memories for her; a home that she had lived in for over 40 years.
Whilst at first Nan saw it as finally admitting that she was getting old, she eventually came around to the idea, moving on to making little jokes about it, whizzing up and down and referring to herself as ‘Super Gran’. The grand kids also had a great time climbing onto her lap and going up and down the stairs with her, which suddenly made her feel very cool and in demand again!
Whilst stair lifts might not be the right option for everyone, they were a huge asset for my Nan, and gave helped her retain that pride that made her the strong independent woman that she was.
We all get old, so if we can take steps to help our family members do so with dignity then I am all for it!
Lucy x
