Caring for a Loved One at Home - How Stairlift Rentals Ease the Load

More than five million people in Canada provide care for relatives or friends living with chronic health conditions, mobility limitations, and disabilities, all while working (often full-time). This can be an incredibly challenging situation for everyone involved, so finding ways to make it easier is vital.

While there are many types of accessibility products on the market, stairlifts are one of the most important for individuals with mobility limitations. But if you believe a stairlift could benefit you and your loved ones, you may not need to buy one outright.

Stairlift rentals offer a simple, cost-effective alternative, but how can renting one help you provide care? And what are the benefits of renting a stairlift instead of purchasing one?

Read on for the answer to both questions, with advice and guidance on choosing the right stairlift for you.

The Physical Toll of Providing Home Care for a Loved One

Caring for a loved one can be physically taxing. Caregivers may need to sacrifice various aspects of their own lives to look after a relative or friend, often for years at a time.

Depending on the unique needs of the person in their care, caregivers might need to take on any number of tasks daily. These include:

• Carrying them upstairs and downstairs multiple times.

• Assisting them with eating and drinking.

• Helping them take a bath or shower.

• Performing household chores, such as cleaning, cooking, and caring for pets.

Caregivers may not be in the best physical health themselves, which can compound the difficulties they face every day.

However, caring for a loved one at home can be mentally and emotionally draining too. A 2024 survey by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE) found that:

• One in four caregivers describe their mental health as being “fair” or “poor.”

• Almost 50% of caregivers feel tired, and 44% feel worried or anxious.

• Caregivers provide around five hours of care each day.

As for the individual being cared for, they might feel isolated, guilty, and as if they have lost their independence. If they rarely or never go outside, they could feel like a prisoner.

Finding ways to alleviate the physical and emotional strain for caregivers and their loved ones is crucial for the well-being of all involved. Stairlift rentals can make a significant impact, possibly even transforming lives.

How Stairlift Rentals Can Make Life Easier at Home

Stairlift rentals offer the following benefits:

• Stairlifts reduce the physical exhaustion caused by carrying or helping another person up and down stairs.

• Stairlifts can restore independence by helping individuals navigate their own home with less assistance.

• Stairlifts ease discomfort for users who would otherwise be in pain when climbing up or down a staircase (even with help).

• Stairlifts can make aging in place easier. As most Canadians aged 45 and above want to stay at home as they grow older, accessibility solutions like stairlifts are more important than ever.

• Stairlifts help save time, as moving between floors is more efficient.

• Stairlifts reduce the risk of falls significantly, which can prevent injuries.

• Stairlifts can be installed indoors and outdoors to boost accessibility all around the home.

Considering the key benefits of stairlifts can help you choose whether to install one in your property. Discuss the possibility with your loved ones to gauge their opinions, and (if possible) make the decision together.

Stairlift Rentals vs. Buying a Stairlift: 4 Benefits of Hiring a Stairlift

Less Upfront Commitment

Renting a stairlift is less of an initial financial commitment. Buying a brand-new stairlift outright can be costly, especially for one of the latest models equipped with various features. But stairlift rentals offer a chance to test one and find out how they can help before buying.

Reputable suppliers offer a variety of models through their rental service. Additionally, they should provide you with the information and advice you need to choose the right stairlift for your home.

Servicing and Repairs are Included

If something goes wrong with a stairlift you own, you may need to hire a local technician to investigate the problem and fix it for you. This can be expensive, particularly if the issue requires a lot of intricate work.

But with the best stairlift rentals, your model will have the same warranty as a new one. Stairlift maintenance and servicing will be included in your rental plan. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that a solution is only a call away with no added costs involved.

Flexibility to Change Models as Needed

In some cases, you may need to switch to a different stairlift. This might be due to a change in a loved one’s condition or moving to a new property.

Whatever the circumstances, a reliable stairlift rentals company may allow you to change models as part of your plan. This is more cost-effective and convenient than buying a new stairlift.

Ideal for Short-Term Mobility Challenges

If you care for a relative or close friend, the arrangement may only be temporary. Their mobility limitations could be caused by an injury or illness that’s sure to get better over time.

In a situation like this, stairlift rentals are ideal. You can install the stairlift and enjoy its benefits for a few months or years, then return it when necessary. There’s no need to try to sell it or donate it. Simply arrange for it to be collected and end your rental plan.

Finding the Right Stairlift for You and Your Loved One

Caring for a loved one at home can be hugely demanding. Caregivers may feel exhausted, worried, and stressed — especially while working at the same time. But those in their care could find the loss of independence and mobility traumatic too.

Stairlift rentals can make life easier in multiple ways, and they allow you to try stairlifts before deciding whether to buy one. At Total Access Solutions, we offer a stairlift Rental service with affordable rates and next-day installation. All rental stairlifts have the same warranty as our brand-new models.

To learn more about our stairlift hire service in Toronto and the GTA, contact our friendly team today.