Karen suffers from Parkinson's and uses the TOPRO Step stair climber to stay safe on her stairs. Karen was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2014, but even before that her life was not easy. 7 years earlier, she was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency. Due to adrenal insufficiency, Karen suffers from exhaustion. The stairs at home became an unclimbable mountain for Karen.
Karen and her husband have lived in Karen's childhood home for 43 years - in the middle of Oslo. Their property can make you envious. The red detached house is surrounded by an idyllic garden that makes you forget you're in the middle of the city. They have many plants and trees that require their constant attention. They have a large selection of vegetables, berries and herbs, including eight different varieties of tomatoes. Both are active in growing vegetables, although Bernt does most of the rougher work. For Karen, it is important to have enough energy to take care of all the plants.
"I never wanted to retire before the age of 67, but then I got my diagnosis and everything changed. But I still can't stay calm. I have to have something to do and these days it's easy to work from a computer. I don't work as much as I'd like, because when your body needs four days' rest after three days' work, the question arises as to whether it's even worth it."
As long as her body allows it, Karen wants to move as much as possible. But it's not her will that prevents her from doing so.
Now everyday life looks very different for Karen. But despite the physical challenges, neither of them has stopped being active. With their small hut at Krogskogen, which is 700 meters away on foot, Karen has no other choice.
It's important to get out of the house and I want to keep myself in shape as best I can. I can't stay inside for the rest of my life. That doesn't help anyone.
- Karen (67)
Karen wants to encourage others to do the same and show them the possibilities that exist - even with a diagnosis like Parkinson's. There are simple everyday aids and many of the tools Karen uses she discovered herself. Among other things, she has an electric bike that she uses when there is no snow.
I could have had a stairlift, but then I wouldn't be able to do anything myself. The TOPRO Step stair climber helps me to walk up and down the stairs safely on my own.
- Karen (67)
Karen masters many activities in the house herself, but the stairs - or the "mountain", as she calls it - is a major challenge. Karen and Bernt's bedroom is on the second floor and the stairs are long and have two bends. After a stay at the Ringen rehabilitation center, Karen was recommended the TOPRO Step stair climber. After a discussion with her occupational therapist in Oslo and the central aid center, the TOPRO Step was finally installed on her stairs.
"With Parkinson's, you know it's not going to get any better. I could have had a stairlift, but then I wouldn't be able to do anything myself. The TOPRO Step stair climber helps me to walk up and down the stairs independently and safely."
Karen is usually very exhausted in the evening. With the TOPRO Step stair climber, she gets support when she has to climb her "mountain" and wants to stay in shape as much as possible. This also applies on the way down, especially in the morning when her limbs and muscles are stiff. In this case, it's good to have something safe and stable to hold on to and support yourself.
"It's also very reassuring for me," says her husband. Karen has difficulties with her balance and is at risk of falling on the stairs. Now I know that she actively prevents falls when she gets dizzy or loses her balance."
Climbing mountain peaks is no longer possible, but Karen goes out and goes about her daily activities. It doesn't have to be the mountain peak that is challenging and rewarding. Everyone has their own peaks and climbs that they want to master.
Climbing peaks and long tours on skis with her husband and child have made Karen tough and tenacious. She has been conquering mountains all her life, and even when life took a completely new turn, Karen never gave up.
Now it's Karen and her TOPRO Step stair climber who have to climb the "mountain" at home together.
To carry out an on-site inspection and receive a quote, make an appointment with us. Once you have accepted the quote, we will carry out the installation, which usually only takes a few hours. .
TOPRO Step is TÜV-tested and certified and meets all functional and safety requirements.
TOPRO Step is designed so that it can be easily adapted to your staircase. It can be installed on straight stairs, curved stairs and stairs with a landing.
Ask your health insurance company about the possibility of cost coverage or possible subsidies. Please note that these options are country-specific and individual.
TOPRO Step means TOPRO quality. When you buy a TOPRO Step, you receive a guarantee of up to 5 years.
We measure success by satisfied customers, which is our top priority. We already have over 4,000 satisfied users throughout Europe.
Choose your TOPRO Step
Do you have any questions?
Would you like a free and personal consultation? Get in touch with our TOPRO Step experts and book a free, no-obligation appointment directly at your home.
TOPRO Step Expert
+47 902 931 00
Monday - Friday
08:00 - 16:00 o'clock.
TOPRO Step Expert
+47 902 931 00
Monday - Friday
08:00 - 16:00 o'clock.
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TOPRO Step
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