Using a stair glide stair lift is not limited to those who have mobility problems or who can't walk up or down a flight of stairs. While a stair lift can help you maintain your independence in your home if you have problems walking, it can also help you feel more safe and secure even if you have a steady gait. Here are three other reasons, you should consider the installation of a stair lift. 

Visual Deficits

Falling down the stairs is a common problem in people with poor visual acuity, even when no discernible mobility problems are present. If you have an eye disorder known as macular degeneration, a deterioration of the macula, it may affect your depth perception.

Similarly, cataracts can also affect your depth perception and lead to cloudy or distorted vision. Cataracts refer to an opacity of your eye's lens and is often related to aging. Your eye doctor can give you a stronger glasses prescription to help improve your vision if you have cataracts, however, to achieve optimal visual acuity, cataract surgery will be needed. During this surgery, your eye surgeon removes the natural lens of your affected eye and replaces it with a clear intraocular implant. 

When you have problems with depth perception, you may be unable to judge the distance between objects and have problems seeing things in three dimensions, or 3-D. According to Low Vision, people with macular degeneration are prone to falls, and stairs are a particularly high risk area. It is for this reason that you may need a stair lift to get you safely up and down the stairs so that you don't misjudge the location of a step and fall. 

Grip Strength Problems

Another reason that may raise your risk for falling while going up or down stairs is poor grip strength. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome may cause significant weakness in your arms and hands, which can cause a weak grip.

When you are unable to firmly grasp the handrail while navigating your stairs, you may lose your balance and fall. With a stair lift, you don't have to worry about weakness in your hands or that you'll lose your balance when using the stairs. 

Medication Side Effects

Certain medications can cause dangerous side effects, leaving you at a heightened risk for falling down the stairs. For example, cardiovascular drugs, antihistamines, pain medications, and anti-anxiety medications, can cause drowsiness and dizziness, while cholesterol-lowering drugs, antidepressants, and beta blockers can cause blurred vision.

If you experience side effects as a result of taking your medications, consider getting a stair lift so that you don't have to fear using the stairs. Many side effects are dose dependent, so if you still experience them, talk to your doctor about lowering your dosage, as this may help bring relief. 

If you want to feel safer in your home when navigating the stairs, contact a stair glide stair lift company representative to learn more about benefits, pricing, and installation. If you experience any of the above conditions, getting a chair lift can help enhance your life, while helping you to regain your confidence and independence.