Lifts and Apartment Living for Seniors

The lift: your lifeline

For a parent on an upper floor, the lift is not a convenience; it is the connection to the world, to doctors, to shops, to friends.

### Check the lift

• Size: large enough for a wheelchair or a stretcher. A standard small lift may fit a wheelchair but not a stretcher; ask management about a larger lift or a service lift.
• Reliability and maintenance: is it serviced regularly, with records? How quickly are breakdowns fixed?
• Power backup: does the building have a generator or battery that keeps the lift running in a power cut? Does it bring the lift to the nearest floor and open the doors?
• Controls: large buttons, clear numbers, a call button, an alarm and an intercom; with braille or raised markings, if possible.
• Doors: a door that stays open long enough for a slow walker; sensors to avoid closing on a person.
• Floor: a non-slip floor, a handrail, a seat in the lift for long journeys, good lighting.
• Levels: the gap between the lift and the floor should be small and level.
• Emergency communication: a working alarm, an intercom to security, a phone signal.
• Entry to the building: a ramp or level access to the lift lobby.

### If you ride the lift often, learn

• What to do if the lift stops: press the alarm, call security, stay calm, do not try to climb out. Carry a mobile phone.
• What the building will do: how long it takes to rescue someone, and who to call.
• Alternative route: is there a stair, and can your parent manage it with help?
• A plan for repairs and servicing days: if the lift is out for hours or days, how will your parent get down, or get help?

### If the lift fails and your parent is upstairs

Plan for it, not just hope. Have:

• supplies for a day or two: water, food, medicines, a charged phone and a power bank;
• a neighbour or relative who can help or check;
• a way to get help to your door, such as a key safe; see key safes;
• a plan for dialysis, oxygen, medicines or other time-critical needs;
• a carry chair or a team who can carry your parent down, arranged in advance for emergencies; and
• an agreement with building management to prioritise repair when a resident has medical needs.

Power cuts

Many buildings have a generator for common areas but not for flats. A power cut can stop the lift, the water pump, lights, fans and air conditioners, and medical equipment.

• Backup for equipment: an inverter or battery for lights, a fan, a hospital bed, an oxygen concentrator or other devices; see hospital beds and power cuts and oxygen and power cuts.
• Torches and power banks.
• Water storage, if the pump stops.
• Plan for heat or cold; see power cuts, heat and older adults.
• Know the building's arrangements and contact numbers.

Stairs and corridors

• Stairs: handrails on both sides, lighting, non-slip treads, contrast on edges; see stairs, steps and thresholds.
• Corridors: wide, clear, lit, with no obstacles such as shoes, bicycles or plants.
• Landings: safe, with a place to sit if possible.
• Fire exits: know where they are and keep them clear.

The flat itself

• Entrance: a step-free door, a wide door, a lever handle, a key safe or smart lock, a peephole or camera, and a bench.
• Doors and corridors: at least 80 cm wide for walkers and wheelchairs; 90 cm clear is better.
• Bathrooms: often small; see bathroom layout for wheelchair users and bathroom safety checklist for seniors.
• Space for equipment: a walker, a wheelchair, a commode, a bed; see fitting a care bed into a small Indian flat.
• Lighting and floors: see lighting and colour contrast at home and flooring, rugs and trip hazards.
• Ventilation and heat: top floors can be hot; use fans, shades and cooling; see temperature and ventilation at home.
• Windows and grills: secure, with safe openings; keep a way out in a fire.
• Gas and fire safety: see smoke and gas safety for older adults.

Balconies and terraces

Balconies can be pleasant, but risky for older people with dizziness, confusion or poor balance.

• Railings at least 100 cm high with gaps small enough to stop a child or a head slipping through, and no footholds to climb.
• Non-slip floor, good drainage and no clutter.
• A stable chair and table.
• Doors: easy to open, with a low threshold.
• Supervision or restrictions for people with dementia.
• Lighting.
• Plants in stable pots away from edges.

See garden, balcony and terrace safety.

Parking and the building entrance

• Drop-off point: near the entrance, with a level, non-slip surface and shelter.
• Parking: a space near the lift for those who drive or use taxis.
• Ramps and rails at the entrance; check the gradient.
• Lighting in the lobby, car park and paths.
• Security staff who know your parent, and can help.
• Reception: a place to sit while waiting for a cab.
• Loading area for deliveries and ambulances.

Rules, permissions and the society

Apartment living means working with others.

• Permissions: many societies require approval for alterations, ramps, rails, stair lifts and structural changes to common areas. Ask early, in writing, and explain the medical need.
• Rented flats: ask the landlord before fixing items; choose removable options; see fitting grab bars in rented or apartment homes.
• Common areas: ask whether ramps, handrails, seating and lighting can be improved for all residents. Many societies have senior residents, and improvements benefit everyone.
• Registers: many societies keep a list of senior residents, for welfare checks. Consider registering your parent, with their consent.
• Emergency contacts: give security and neighbours the number of a family member.
• Ambulance access: ask security to let ambulances in and to direct them.
• Disputes: use the society's committee and, if needed, legal advice; see legal basics for families.

Community and company

A good apartment community is a resource.

• Meet neighbours, and let them know your parent's needs, with permission.
• Join or start senior groups, walking clubs, laughter clubs, bhajan or hobby groups and festival committees.
• Use shared spaces: gardens, clubhouses, parks, libraries.
• Ask for a buddy system: a neighbour who checks daily.
• Use building services: housekeeping, security patrols, intercom.
• Be wary of strangers and scams; see preventing doorstep scams and phone fraud.
• Keep in touch with family and friends; see social connection and longevity.

Loneliness is a real risk in apartment living, even in a crowded building; see loneliness and isolation in older adults.

Safety systems

• Alert pendant or watch and a way for alerts to reach family; see panic pendants and fall detection watches.
• Key safe for emergency access.
• Smoke and gas alarms.
• Intercom and security: clear procedures for visitors.
• Emergency numbers: 112, security, doctor, family.
• A medical summary near the door; see emergency contact card and medical summary.
• Fire drill awareness.

Questions to ask before choosing a flat

• Which floor, and is there a lift?
• How big and reliable is the lift? Is there a backup?
• Is the entrance step-free?
• Are corridors, doors and bathrooms wide enough?
• What are the rules on alterations and equipment?
• Is the society welcoming to older residents?
• How far are the hospital, pharmacy, shops, parks and public transport?
• Is security good?
• What are the maintenance charges and rules?

When to ask a professional

An occupational therapist can assess the flat and the building access and recommend adaptations; see occupational therapy home assessment. A builder or architect can advise on changes. A lawyer can help with society rules and property matters. A doctor can advise on how mobility will change. Our care advisors can arrange assessments, equipment and support for apartment living.