Doc’s January Q & A: Hips, Stairs, and Lifts – Safely Use the Stairs Again in Ann Arbor!

Doc’s January Q & A: Hips, Stairs, and Lifts in Ann Arbor

Safely taking the stairs again!

Question:
My 85- year-old dad is talking with his doctor about having his hip replaced. He still lives in his 2nd story condo and has no intention of moving.

He is open to the idea of installing a stairlift, but he’s concerned that the condo association won’t let him install one because it will destroy the walls. Will installing a stairlift require replacing the drywall when it is removed?

Doc’s Answer:
Good question.  It’s good to hear that your 85-year old dad is still able to manage the stairs in his 2nd story condo – that is one determined man! I’m also glad he is open to taking advantage of a stairlift.

As Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS), we know that many seniors, and others with mobility issues who have a basement or second floor, cautiously use the steps –but only one step at a time. For many, they are taking each step on their bum. The saddest part is the emotional toll: each time they use the stairs, they are scared to death of losing their balance and tumbling.

The one thing seniors must avoid at any and all costs is a hip break or fracture. Shockingly, it becomes a fatal injury for 20% of those who suffer the trauma of a broken hip. Additionally, many people rarely achieve full recovery.  Since your dad is planning on a hip replacement, he will want to be especially cautious. That is why the stair lifts are so wonderful.  People can freely use the stairs again but without the anxiety, because they’re safely and securely seated.

So let me explain the good news you can share with your dad about the advantages the Navigator® brand stairlift. It meets our high standards for quality and I will explain its brilliant design for custom installation. There are a variety of stairlift manufacturers out there and you will want to evaluate the brands before signing on to have one installed in your home or condo.

I have personally reviewed the top stairlift brands and selected the Navigator® as the best rated, safest, attractive, and non-invasive to the structure of your home.

Our certified installers skillfully measure and install the guide-rail and chair-track, attaching the system to the steps with secure brackets – without one nail or screw marring your walls.  This creates a secure foundation for the FDA approved stairlift system. The chair glides smoothly along the track and cannot touch the wall, without scuffs or markings.

Your dad can confidently have the Navigator® installed and the condo association can be sure it will not have any negative or lasting impact. If you need assistance explaining this to your association, an Atlas representative will be happy to help.

My own mom was able to safely stay in the home she loved after we installed a stairlift for her. Our family had greater peace of mind knowing she was no longer anxiously navigating those stairs after her hip injury. You can read about it in an earlier post about helping my mom stay in the home she loved.

Want more from Doc?

March Financing Offer

**Financing Terms: Subject to credit approval. Consult with our design team for more details.

Financing

Offer

Special Financing Options

  • Schedule a Visit to Our Showroom
    Yes No
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Labor Discount Terms: New orders only. Offer not valid on previous sales or estimates and cannot be combined with other offers. TV Valued up to $599. Expires on 3/31/24. CBL: 2102182001. Financing Terms: Subject to credit approval with minimum purchase made at initial appointment. Atlas Home Improvement is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Atlas Home Improvement, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Interest is billed during the promotional period but is waived if paid in full within the promotional period. 0% APR if Equal payments are made over 36 months. Offers expires on 3/31/24. Consult with our design team for more details.

Logo Green

Customer Reviews

BBB Logo
Rating4.9
Google Logo
Rating4.8
Facebook Logo
Rating4.8
Guild Logo
Rating4.8
Angi Logo
Rating4.5

"WOW! Our gutters look great! Josh And Kamrin arrived right on time and got quickly to work. They were very friendly and didn't mind our 6 year old grandson asking questions. I would recommend Atlas to our friends."

– Kathy S.

Review Image

"I have been impressed with Atlas home improvement they do things the way I would. Kelly was our installer and was unbelievably hard-working very conscientious and even went the extra mile and called in a grizzly Veteran plumber when presented with a problem. We have used Atlas before and will again soon!"

– Tony M.

Review Image

"Just a quick note to thank Atlas Home Improvement for the new Gutter Helmet install we received today . From the sales representative Hunter who answered all our question about the product and the company itself to the office personnel that scheduled and kept us informed about the date and times the install crew would arrive (Brook). Kevin and Rick did a great job installing and cleaning up afterwards . Thank you Rick for calling us the morning of install just to verify that indeed you would be arriving shortly . Undoubtably one of the best companies I have dealt with . Atlas made it so very easy to keep myself Safe and my home secure from gutter water damage ."

– Harold B.

Review Image

"This was our second experience with Atlas. The shower in our last home was truly a primary selling feature. We returned to Atlas because of the quality of the job and the professionalism of the install. We were happy to see the same installers we had at our other house three years ago arrive here today. Chad and Bill did an excellent job. We received the same professionalism and quality we expected. They arrived with all the materials they would need, no hidden surprises, quality materials. They truly live up to everything they promise!"

– Rob R.

Review Image

"Chris and Brandon did a great job on my Kitchen, I love how it looks! Chris had to come back to fix some things and he fixed all of it."

– Linda B.

Review Image

"Recently, Atlas Home Improvement finished the second phase of my bathroom remodel. Matt and Chad were here every morning on time, stated in their morning phone call. They were friendly, efficient, knew their job and the job site was always in order and clean. They even went out of their way to make sure I was aware of all aspects of the job. They were GREAT!!! This is a great company!!! Very clean and considerate while putting in my new shower. Time the sales consultant was wonderful and really listened to what I want and was never pushy or tried to sell me something I didn't want. David did a wonderful job installing my shower. Great product they sell. I recommend this company highly!"

– Donna P.

Review Image

"Dave put in a stair lift for me and I was very, very pleased with the whole experience. He assessed the situation with an eye on my safety and recommended changing the side of the staircase the lift was to be installed on. He did the installation quietly and quickly and without creating any mess. And he made sure I understood how the equipment worked and watched me test ride it. I could not have been more satisfied with the whole process. I would highly recommend Atlas to any senior looking to modify their home so that they can age in place."

– Dorrie R.

Review Image

"We were experiencing temperature problems with our brand new walk-in tub, in that the temperature would not get very hot. After a call to Atlas we were scheduled by the office staff for an appointment within 2 days, which we very much appreciated. Dave arrived on time and immediately diagnosed the problem - and he quickly fixed it. Dave was very professional, pleasant, friendly, and knowledgeable. Our problem has now been fixed! Thank you Atlas for having such a great installation, office, and repair staff."

– Norv S.

Review Image

"We had our shower completely re-done by Dave. It was a custom job that involved replacing a sub floor and some plumbing issues. They were friendly, hard workers, our shower turned out perfect! I strongly recommend Atlas Home Improvement they stand by their work!"

– Sherry G.

Review Image

"Our dealings with Atlas Home Improvement have been nothing but a delight. We had booked them through Home Depot Home Services which had a salesman come out and was easy to deal with and took his time to explain all of the steps to the process. Atlas delivered the exact way they had promised we were in the loop knowing when our materials were ordered when they came in and to finally setting up the appointment. The workmanship was 5 star excellent and we could not have been happier with our new shower enclosure it really made a difference!"

– Sharron R.

Review Image
Atlas Home Improvement, LLC BBB Business Review