The time for a new season to take hold is nearly upon us. On Monday, September 22, autumn will officially get underway! Interestingly nicknamed for the fallen leaves that beautify the season, fall is a time of year when falls are more likely to happen. As we approach winter, ice, snow and freezing temperatures can turn simple outdoor tasks into risky situations. What can you do to ensure safe, year-round accessibility to your home?
Installing a porch lift, also known as a vertical platform lift, is an excellent idea! Let’s explore why you should do so before the start of winter.
It helps to prevent slips and falls.
As everyone in the Greater Toronto Area is well aware, winter brings about snowy and icy conditions. As a result, sidewalks and steps can become dangerous. This is true even for those without mobility challenges. The risk of slipping on icy stairs is especially high for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Porch lifts eliminate the need to climb stairs altogether. They provide smooth, reliable lifts from ground levels to porches or decks.
As reported by Burns & Wilcox, “winter weather contributes to a significant portion of slip-and-fall accidents; in Canada, 18% of slipping incidents occurred on ice or snow, the Public Health Agency reported.”
It allows for reliable access to your home in all weather conditions.
Snow and freezing rain can block pathways to your home. They also make outdoor mobility aids, such as ramps, difficult to use. While ramps often require regular shovelling and salting, porch lifts are designed to withstand Canadian winters. Most models come equipped with non-slip platforms and weather-resistant features. These ensure safe operation in harsh conditions. By installing a porch lift early, you can feel confident that your home remains accessible, even when the snow piles up.
It’s also worth noting that porch lifts take up less space than ramps. A vertical platform lift requires about a 5-foot square area regardless of the height it needs to climb. A ramp, on the other hand, will have its size increase with every step it needs to clear.
It’s wise to book an installation before the weather gets bad.
Winter often brings a rush of homeowners seeking last-minute accessibility solutions. This demand can result in longer wait times for consultations and installations. Scheduling your porch lift installation in the fall ensures that your lift is ready to use before the first snowfall. This will give you some peace of mind when mobility is most critical.
“Construction activities typically require stable, dry, and safe conditions to proceed smoothly,” points out Cordulus, “Adverse weather – whether it is rain, snow, extreme heat or cold, or high winds – can halt progress, damage equipment, and create significant hazards for workers.”
Get in touch with LifeCare Mobility this fall!
We’ve been helping families in Scarborough, Toronto, Markham, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Richmond Hill and Thornhill with mobility solutions since 2010. Our team understands the unique needs of seniors and caregivers. We’re here to guide you through choosing the right porch lift for your home.
Porch lifts are practical for both indoors and outdoors and can be adapted to satisfy your specific needs. They are an excellent option to access the community from your home to get to important medical appointments and so on. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
