Difficulty Climbing Stairs: Solutions to Stay Independent at Home
With age or after a health issue, moving freely around the house can become more challenging. Going up or down the stairs may bring knee pain, shortness of breath, or even balance problems. If this sounds familiar, don't worry — practical solutions exist to help you keep enjoying your entire home safely and confidently.
Listen to Your Body and Adjust Your Routine
The first step is to pay attention to the signals: aching knees when climbing stairs, discomfort when descending, or feeling breathless after just a few steps. These signs may remind you that it’s time to adapt your daily routine.
Simple tips to make stairs safer
- Install sturdy handrails on both sides of the staircase.
- Improve visibility with floor LEDs or motion-sensor lights, especially at night.
- Wear closed, non-slip footwear.
- Climb steadily, using the handrails, and avoid carrying heavy objects.
If these minor adjustments aren't enough, more reliable solutions can help you continue living at home without restriction.
Protecting Your Energy and Mobility
Respiratory or heart conditions can make stairs feel overwhelming. In this case, it’s not only about physical effort but about saving your strength for the things that matter most: cooking, socialising, or spending time with grandchildren.
When each flight of stairs feels like a challenge, it may be time to consider a secure, effortless solution. Some choose to limit access to upper floors, while others regain their independence with a Stannah stairlift — a discreet way to move between floors smoothly and safely.
Ease Joint Pain in Everyday Life
Stairs put strain on knees, hips, and ankles. If pain persists, speak with a doctor, practise gentle exercises such as swimming, yoga, or walking, and avoid carrying unnecessary loads upstairs.
The Stannah Sadler stairlift is an excellent option for people who find it difficult to bend their knees or sit fully. Its semi-standing seat and inclined design reduce strain while keeping you comfortable. It’s a simple way to live in familiar surroundings without losing independence.
Regain Balance and Confidence
Dizziness or loss of balance is another common challenge. Adding a second handrail, non-slip stair treads, or a small resting seat can help. But in many cases, a more comprehensive solution is needed.
With over 150 years of expertise, Stannah designs stairlifts with built-in safety features: obstacle sensors, easy one-hand seatbelts, intuitive controls, and powerful batteries that work even during a power cut. Available for straight, curved, spiral, indoor, and outdoor staircases, Stannah stairlifts ensure safe and effortless movement in every home.
Staying Home After Surgery or Reduced Mobility
Recovering from surgery or reduced mobility doesn't mean giving up your home. Quick and intuitive to use, Stannah stairlifts can be installed in a few hours, offering immediate comfort. This allows you to regain access to every floor without the stress of moving house or significant renovations.
Live Fully at Home for Years to Come
When stairs become an obstacle, you don’t have to leave the place you love. Whether temporary or permanent, solutions exist to adapt your home at your own pace. Stannah has already supported over a million people in regaining confidence and freedom at home. With the widest choice of models and a personalised approach, you can find the perfect stairlift to suit your lifestyle.
Choosing Stannah means choosing long-term support. Our caring team of specialists is always by your side, helping you stay safe and independent at home — today and in the future.
Would you like to feel confident on your stairs again? Contact Stannah today for free advice and a no-obligation home assessment.
