With the month of October now in full swing, Toronto residents are enjoying colourful leaves and crisp mornings. They’re also getting unmistakable reminders that colder weather is approaching. All across the Greater Toronto Area, fall can quickly transition from pleasant autumn afternoons to rain, frost and, eventually, snow and ice. For many people, that seasonal change is little more than an inconvenience.
For older adults, wheelchair and mobility scooter users, and people with limited mobility, getting safely in and out of the house can become very challenging. This is where porch lifts can play an important role. Also known as vertical platform lifts, these accessibility devices provide an alternative to navigating exterior stairs. They make home access safer and more manageable throughout fall and winter.
Cold weather can make home access more difficult.
Outdoor stairs can present accessibility challenges at any time of year. However, during a Canadian fall and winter, those challenges can become more significant. Wet leaves can make outdoor surfaces slippery. Temperatures around the freezing point can create patches of ice that are difficult to see. Snow accumulation can cover steps and walkways, while repeated freezing and thawing may produce uneven or slippery surfaces.
As well, snow and ice can reduce traction and that freezing precipitation can create barriers to safe access to roadways, sidewalks and buildings. Winter conditions also make assistive devices more difficult to use. Canes and walkers may slip, while wheelchair and scooter tires can lose traction or become obstructed. For someone already struggling with exterior stairs, winter weather can make a difficult entrance even more challenging.
Porch lifts can make things easier.
A porch lift uses a powered platform to transport a person vertically between two levels. Ontario regulations describe a vertical platform lift as a lift for people with physical challenges that has a platform that moves vertically. In a residential setting, a porch lift can often provide access between the ground level and a raised porch, deck or entrance. Depending on the lift and installation, users may be able to remain in their wheelchairs or mobility devices while travelling between levels.
This can eliminate the need to repeatedly climb exterior stairs. It may also offer an alternative when a ramp would require more space than is conveniently available on a property. For families exploring mobility solutions, the objective is not simply getting someone through the front door. Good accessibility planning considers how a person can enter and leave his or her home comfortably as part of everyday life.
Porch lifts support independence during fall and winter.
Imagine someone who uses a wheelchair and relies on family members to help navigate several front steps every time he or she leaves home. During summer, the arrangement may already be inconvenient. Add freezing temperatures, slippery surfaces and snow, and the process can become even more complicated. A properly selected and installed porch lift can provide a dedicated accessible route between levels.
This can also benefit caregivers. Manually assisting someone over stairs can be difficult and may put both individuals in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation. The right accessibility equipment can reduce the need for improvised methods of entering and exiting a home. Keep in mind that installing a porch lift does not mean outdoor maintenance can be forgotten. Snow, ice and fallen leaves should still be removed from pathways and areas surrounding the lift according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Planning ahead makes a difference.
If a family member is finding the front stairs increasingly difficult, waiting until the first major snowfall may create unnecessary stress. October provides an opportunity to assess the entrance, identify potential barriers and determine which mobility solutions may be appropriate. Every home and every person’s mobility requirements are different. The height of the entrance, available space, the user’s mobility device and the property’s layout can all influence the solution.
An in-home consultation can help identify these factors and determine if a porch lift is appropriate. Canadian winters can be unpredictable, but planning for accessible home access doesn’t have to be. For someone who finds exterior stairs difficult or impossible to navigate, porch lifts can become an important part of maintaining access to the home during fall and winter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
What is a porch lift?
A porch lift, often called a vertical platform lift, is an accessibility device that moves a platform vertically between levels. It can provide an alternative to exterior stairs for people with limited mobility, including some wheelchair and mobility-device users.
Can porch lifts be used during a Toronto winter?
Outdoor porch lifts are designed for exterior applications when the particular model and installation are suitable for outdoor use. Owners should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions concerning weather conditions, operation and maintenance.
Do I still need to clear snow around a porch lift?
Yes. Keeping the approach to the lift and surrounding pathways clear of snow, ice and debris remains important. Never assume that having a porch lift eliminates the need for regular winter maintenance.
Is a porch lift only for wheelchair users?
No. Porch lifts may be useful for people with a variety of mobility limitations. The appropriate solution depends on the individual’s needs, abilities, home layout and mobility equipment.
Is a porch lift better than a wheelchair ramp?
Neither solution is automatically better. Ramps and porch lifts have different space and installation requirements. A professional assessment can help determine which option is more appropriate for a particular home and user.
When should I have my porch lift serviced?
Follow the maintenance schedule and recommendations provided by the lift manufacturer and your qualified service provider. Fall can be a practical time to have outdoor accessibility equipment checked before harsher winter weather arrives.
Where can I get help choosing a porch lift in the Greater Toronto Area?
LifeCare Mobility Solutions provides in-home consultations and mobility and accessibility equipment solutions throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. A consultation can help determine your accessibility needs and identify suitable options for your home’s entrance.
For information about any and all of the porch lifts available from LifeCare Mobility Solutions, 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!
