4 recommendations for a barrier-free staircase
In this article, we will look at the topic of barrier-free stairs. Here you will find 4 recommendations for making your staircase safer and barrier-free.
COPD is a respiratory disease that affects around 6.8 million people in Germany. It is estimated that this number will increase to up to 7.9 million by 2030.
The abbreviation stands for the English term “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease”. This means in German “chronic obstructive lung disease” or in technical terms “chronic obstructive bronchitis” (COB). COPD is associated with both the terms “chronic bronchitis” and “pulmonary emphysema”.
COPD is usually associated with smoking or exposure to pollutants. Inhaling irritants causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes, thickening of their walls, and increased mucus production. In the long term, inflammation is responsible for the destruction of the lung alveoli.
In Germany, smoking is the cause of COPD in 90% of cases, but this is not the only risk factor.
Air pollution indoors and outdoors, this cause is most common in low- and middle-income countries.
COPD is an active disease characterized by breathing problems. COPD patients usually have multiple symptoms.
There are different classifications of COPD stages. The most common is the spirometric classification of COPD.
It is recognized by the High Health Authority (HAS). The spirometric classification is based on two indicators: “Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second” (FEV1) and Vital Capacity (VC).
Maximum expiratory volume per second (FEV1) = the volume of air exhaled during the first second of expiration after a deep breath.
Vital capacity (VC) = corresponds to the maximum volume of air in the lungs between inspiration and expiration.
We speak of COPD when the ratio between FEV1 and VC (FEV1 / VC) is less than 70%. Without illness, we lose at least 70% of the volume of our lungs in one second.
The stages of COPD are then determined based on the relationship between the patient’s FEV1 and their predicted FEV1. The predicted value is defined based on criteria such as age, gender, ethnic background, etc.
Stage 1 (mild): FEV1 ≥ 80% of predicted value
Stage 2 (moderate): 50% ≤ FEV1 <80% of predicted value
Stage 3 (severe): 30% ≤ FEV1 <50% of predicted value
Stage 4 (very severe): FEV1 <30% predicted value or FEV1 <50% predicted value (in severe chronic respiratory failure)
It is not possible to cure COPD completely, but it is possible to slow down the progression of the disease and improve symptoms. Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment generally includes medications, respiratory rehabilitation, vaccination, and oxygen therapy.
Taking medication: Medications such as corticosteroids and bronchodilators may be prescribed. In the case of COPD, antibiotics can be administered in conjunction with a bacterial infection of the bronchial tubes.
The rehabilitation of the respiratory system with a physiotherapist can help to drain secretions, alleviate shortness of breath, and improve exercise capacity.
It is advisable to get vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal to avoid the risk of a lung infection. Infections are indeed complicating factors for COPD.
In people with severe respiratory failure, oxygen therapy is sometimes necessary.
It is also important to quit smoking, avoid exposure to pollutants, and be active. Physical activity helps maintain the benefits of respiratory rehabilitation.
It is important to avoid a sedentary lifestyle if you have COPD. Climbing stairs is a good way to exercise at home. However, it is common for people with COPD to have difficulty going up or down stairs. It is not uncommon to have to give up a floor of your house.
Given this problem, we often think of the electric stair lift. However, the electric stair lift encourages passivity in the affected individuals. TOPRO Step is an alternative to the stair lift, allowing you to climb the stairs yourself while ensuring your safety. Some of our affected individuals suffer from COPD, such as Oddbjørn.
Thanks to TOPRO Step, this former welder was able to regain his mobility on the stairs. He recommends TOPRO Step. Read Oddbjørn’s story.
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.
Do you have any questions or would you like to test the TOPRO Step stair climber?
We have compiled all frequently asked questions on the FAQ page
Would you like to find out more about the financing options for the TOPRO Step?
TOPRO Step
In this article, we will look at the topic of barrier-free stairs. Here you will find 4 recommendations for making your staircase safer and barrier-free.
In Norway, around 50 people die every year from falling down stairs. In addition, around 30,000 people require medical assistance after a hip fracture or other injury. These were the hard facts faced by students at the NTNU School of Entrepreneurship (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) in 2012 and 2013. Halvor Wold and his fellow students spent a week studying the subject of falling down stairs and were struck by the extent of it.
Find out from your care insurance provider about the possibility of TOPRO Step stair climbing aids for adapting your individual living environment – we will be happy to support you!
People with reduced mobility who have difficulty climbing stairs due to age or a particular illness, for example, have a wide range of possible solutions and products to choose from. Until now, the stairlift has been one of the most common solutions apart from expensive renovations or a move to a retirement or nursing home. In this article, we will take a closer look at why a stairlift is not always the best solution for you and what you need to consider when buying a stairlift.
When parents grow old, adult children often find themselves in a situation in which they have to deal with many difficult decisions and questions. Many people shy away from discussing these issues with their parents and ultimately making the right decisions. Children are often afraid that their parents will not want to acknowledge their own ageing.
Help with climbing stairs – Our 5 tips: As we get older, more and more people have difficulty walking and sooner or later find themselves facing their own stairs at home and are afraid to climb them without help. There are many products that can be helpful in this case. In this article you can find out more about help with climbing stairs.
Hold down the cmd (Mac) or ctrl (Windows) key and press +/-
Call us on +47 902 931 00 or We will call you back
