A porch lift offers year-round access without costly renovations
Vertical porch lifts are a smarter way to skip the stairs.
A home porch lift, also known as a vertical platform lift for home, is a motorized device that helps individuals with mobility challenges move between ground level and raised entrances, such as porches or decks. This lift offers a safe and simple solution for those who cannot use stairs. It creates easier access to homes without large structural changes.
What Is a Home Porch Lift?
Porch lifts are outdoor devices that provide vertical transportation over short distances, typically up to 72 inches. These lifts include a flat platform that moves up and down along a support tower. The user can roll onto the platform using a wheelchair or mobility scooter and operate the lift with a control panel.
Porch lifts are often installed at the front or back entrances of homes. They are ideal for seniors and people with disabilities who want to stay independent.
Who Needs a Porch Lift?
Porch lifts help many types of users:
- Seniors with difficulty using stairs
- Wheelchair or scooter users
- People recovering from surgery
- Caregivers helping individuals with mobility challenges
In Scarborough, 17.7 per cent of residents aged 65 and over live in low-income households. Many of these seniors live in older homes without built-in accessibility features (Statistics Canada, 2021). A vertical platform lift for home is a cost-effective way to improve safety and daily comfort.
Benefits of Installing a Porch Lift
1. Encourages Independence
Users can move in and out of their homes without needing help. This freedom boosts confidence and helps people remain in their homes longer.
2. Improves Safety
A porch lift lowers the chance of falling on steps. In winter, icy stairs become especially risky in Scarborough’s cold climate. A porch lift removes that danger.
3. Saves Space
Ramps take up a lot of room and are not always possible in small yards. Porch lifts go straight up and down, saving space.
4. Built for Canadian Weather
Outdoor lifts are designed to resist rain, snow, and wind. They work year-round with minimal care.
Financial Help in Ontario
You don’t always need to pay out of pocket. Ontario residents can apply for support:
- Home and Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP): Helps fund changes to improve home access.
- Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit: Offers a credit for seniors improving safety in their homes.
- Federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC): Helps with costs related to making homes more accessible.
These programs support people trying to stay in their homes longer.
Scarborough’s Aging Population and Housing
Scarborough has many seniors and older homes. Nearly 18 per cent of residents are over 65. Most homes were built before modern accessibility rules.
Adding a vertical platform lift for home can help these homeowners stay safe without moving. The solution is simple, reliable, and ideal for older houses with steps.
How to Choose the Right Porch Lift
When picking a porch lift, check for:
- The weight limit that supports the user and device
- Platform size that fits the wheelchair or scooter
- Non-slip surfaces for safety
- Emergency stop and backup battery
- Weather-resistant materials
Always get expert advice before buying. It helps to work with a local company that understands Scarborough’s climate and homes.
Caring for Your Porch Lift
Keep your lift working well by:
- Cleaning it often to remove dirt and salt
- Checking for rust or damage
- Getting it serviced once a year
Porch lifts need little upkeep, but care improves safety and extends life.
Where to Get Help
If you live in Scarborough and need help choosing or installing a porch lift, contact a local expert. Companies like LifeCareMobility.ca offer installation and support services.
They can help you find the right vertical platform lift for home and install it properly. They also help with funding options, giving you peace of mind.
A porch lift adds freedom and safety to any home with stairs. For Scarborough residents, it’s a smart step to make life easier, especially for seniors. The lift is practical, safe, and suited for Canadian homes.
This content is a joint venture between our publication and our partner. We do not endorse any product or service mentioned in the article.
