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.
With the help of the TOPRO Step stair climbing aid, he can now go up and down on his own. Previously, Peder (8) had to crawl up the stairs and could only go up and down the stairs to his bedroom at home with the help of his parents.
Bjørn Kollerud, Magazine “Handikapnytt” September 2019.
If you suffer from cerebral palsy and your walking function deteriorates as a result, it can be a challenge to have your bedroom on the second floor. Peder (8 1/2) could go up to his room, but had to crawl up the stairs and always needed help. The family wanted to change that. The parents began looking for a solution to make their son more independent in everyday life.
“We were looking for a solution to be able to climb the stairs independently, up and down, without additional help from us – if possible. We wanted him to develop independent skills even as his walking ability declined,” explains mother Hanne Therese Åsbø.
They finally found the solution after a long search on Facebook when they discovered the TOPRO Step stair climbing device. It is a new product developed in Norway, which at that time was mainly used in institutions. TOPRO Step is a kind of “stair walker” that can be mounted on both straight and winding stairs.
The concept consists of a wall-mounted rail, the patented locking mechanism, and an ergonomically shaped handle that is moved along the rail by the person affected.
The handrail can also be used as a support, allowing you to move up and down at the right pace with the help of your own muscle power.
The Åsbø family agreed to a trial run with the TOPRO Step stair climbing device, and was positively surprised.
“We applied for cost coverage and received a positive decision. The sales partner came to our home, measured the stairs, and shortly after installed the stair climbing device for us. It was very quick and easy,” emphasizes Hanne Therese.
Now Peder has been using the stair climbing device daily for two years.
“That is absolutely great. We are very satisfied with the solution and his physical development since he started using TOPRO Step,” Hanne Therese tells.
The story behind TOPRO Step began with three civil engineering students at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim working on a project in 2012. They had seen how difficult it was for their grandparents to climb stairs and wanted to develop solutions that would make a difference.
“After looking at what was on the market, we decided to create something completely new. That’s how the work on what would become TOPRO Step began,” explains the entrepreneur Halvor Wold.
It was a long and exhausting process, but the obstacles must be overcome.
“You have to have the courage and ability to stay in the race. We raised money on the internet. In addition, investors, funds, NAV and NTNU contributed money. It is a long development process from the idea to the finished product. But now we have made it,” says Halvor Wold.
In 2015, the pilot introduction took place. The finished product was launched in Norway in 2016. The device is manufactured in Norway and distributed by Hepro AS.
“Fortunately, we have received approval from the NAV Resource Center, which could be a good solution for many. This means that TOPRO Step will be fully paid for by NAV. The agreement with NAV was absolutely crucial. The challenge is that it is difficult to decide on a product that does not yet exist and for which we did not have a price tag.
That’s why we had to refine and test everything, and for that we needed a sales partner,” explains the entrepreneur.
“His core muscles, his motor skills, and his balance have improved. This is a positive additional factor that makes Peder’s everyday life easier.” – Hanne Therese, Peder’s mother
Halvor Wold and the rest of the team saw early opportunities to export the stair climbing device.
“We have patented the concept in the EU and the USA and actively work with our distribution partners to develop the markets. The development in the export market has been positive. This year, we have a turnover of between eight and ten million NOK and we now trade more abroad than in Norway,” he says.
At home with the Åsbø family, they were prepared for Peder to first get used to the TOPRO Step stair climbing device. But everyone was pleasantly surprised.
“He took to the technology very easily. After one day, he was confident and enjoyed using the stair climbing device so much that he took many additional rounds up and down,” happily tells Peder’s mother.
They also felt a physical effect after Peder used the device.
Peder and TOPRO Step
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.
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!
Our muscles are vital. Because we can only move through our muscles. Muscles are also part of many important processes such as swallowing and breathing. If muscle mass decreases significantly with age, this is referred to as muscle atrophy in old age (also known as sarcopenia).
Do you need additional support when climbing stairs? Get to know the unique TOPRO Step stair grab bar that offers you safety and support. The TOPRO Step stairgrip consists of a modern and discreet grab rail coupled with a unique, first-class stainless steel handrail system.
Every year, around 600,000 people in Germany alone visit the emergency room due to falling accidents, according to the Federal Statistical Office. These falls can happen both in the home and in public buildings or outdoors. Falling on stairs can have dramatic consequences, such as hip fractures or femoral neck fractures. In this article, we will explore various options for making stair climbing safer.
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.
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