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How Karen (67) climbs the “mountain” in her own home with the TOPRO Step stair climber

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Karen suffers from Parkinson’s and uses the TOPRO Step stair aid to be safe on her stairs. Karen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014, but her life was not easy even before that. 7 years earlier, she was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency. Due to adrenal insufficiency, Karen suffers from exhaustion.

The stairs at home became an insurmountable mountain for Karen.
Karen and her husband have been living in Karen’s parents’ house for 43 years – in the midst of Oslo. Their property can make one envious. The red single-family house is surrounded by an idyllic garden that makes one forget that they are in the middle of the city.

They have many plants and trees that require their constant attention. The two have a wide selection of vegetables, berries, and herbs, including eight different tomato varieties. Both are active in vegetable growing, although Bernt takes on the majority of the heavier 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 received my diagnosis and everything changed.

However, I still can’t stay calm. I need to have something to do, and nowadays you can work well from the computer. I don’t work as much as I would like, because if the body needs 4 days of rest after 3 days of work, the question arises whether it’s even worth it.”

As long as her body allows it, Karen wants to move as much as possible. But it is not her will that is stopping her.

Karen und ihre Ehemann 2

It is important to get out.

Now Karen’s everyday life looks very different. But despite the physical challenges, both have not stopped being active. With their small cabin in Krogskogen, which is a 700-meter walk away, Karen really has no other choice.

“It is important to get out of the house and I want to keep myself in shape as much as possible. I can’t sit inside for the rest of my life. That doesn’t help anyone.”

 — Karen (67)

Karen also wants to encourage others and show the possibilities that exist – even with a diagnosis like Parkinson. In everyday life, there are simple aids and many of the tools that Karen uses, she has discovered herself. Among other things, she has an electric bicycle that she uses when there is no snow.
Karen

I could have had a stairlift, but then I wouldn’t do anything myself. The stair aid TOPRO Step helps me to walk up and down the stairs independently and safely.

 — Karen (67)

Mastery of the "mountain"

Many activities in the house Karen manages herself, but the stairs – or the “mountain,” as she calls it herself – is a big challenge. Karen and Bernt’s bedroom is on the second floor and the stairs are long and have two turns. After a stay at the Ringen rehabilitation center, Karen was recommended the TOPRO Step stair aid.

After a conversation with her occupational therapist in Oslo and the assistive technology center, the TOPRO Step stair aid was finally mounted on her stairs.

“With Parkinson’s, you know it won’t get better. I could have had a stairlift, but then I wouldn’t do anything myself anymore. The TOPRO Step stair aid helps me to walk up and down the stairs independently and safely.”

Karen is usually very exhausted in the evenings. With the TOPRO Step stair aid, she receives support when she has to climb her “mountain” and wants to stay in good shape. This also applies on the way down, especially in the morning when her limbs and muscles are stiff. In this case, it is good to have something safe and stable to hold onto and support oneself.


“Also for me, it is very reassuring,” her husband tells. Karen has difficulties with balance, and there is a risk of her falling down the stairs. Now I know that she actively practices fall prevention when she feels dizzy or loses her balance.”

Everyday rehabilitation

Climbing mountain peaks is no longer possible, but Karen goes out and carries on with her daily activities.

It doesn’t have to be the mountain peak that is challenging and rewarding. Everyone has their own peaks and uphill climbs that they want to conquer.

Summit ascents and long ski tours with her husband and child have made Karen tough and persistent. She has conquered mountains her whole life, and even when life took a completely new turn, Karen did not give up.

Why choose TOPRO Step?

Installation in 3 steps

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.

TÜV tested and certified

TOPRO Step is TÜV-tested and certified and meets all functional and safety requirements.

Adaptable to your staircase

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.

Check for insurance coverage or help

Ask your health insurance company about the possibility of cost coverage or possible subsidies. Please note that these options are country-specific and individual.

Up to 5 years warranty

TOPRO Step means TOPRO quality. When you buy a TOPRO Step, you receive a guarantee of up to 5 years.

Over 2,000 satisfied users

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

Configure your TOPRO Step - in just a few steps!

Do you have any questions?

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TOPRO Step Expert
+47 902 931 00
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We are happy to advise you

TOPRO Step Expert
+47 902 931 00
Monday - Friday
08:00 – 16:00 o'clock.

Request a callback

Do you have any questions or would you like to test the TOPRO Step stair climber?

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