Staying Independent in a Post-COVID World: How Home Lifts in the UK Are Changing Lives

The COVID-19 pandemic brought profound changes to everyday life - especially for older adults. With lockdowns, shielding measures, and limits on public interaction, many seniors spent long periods isolated at home, away from family, friends, and essential services. This period of disruption accelerated a shift toward new ways of living, particularly around technology adoption, home adaptation, and prioritising independence.
Before the pandemic, digital tools like video calls, tele health, or even mobility solutions such as a stairlift for home weren’t always considered essential. But for many households, the experience of isolation underscored the importance of staying safe and mobile at home. This led to a surge in interest for modern stairlifts and curved stairlifts, alongside the growing use of digital solutions to remain connected.
Embracing the Digital Shift at Home
A recent study revealed that nearly 47% of adults aged 75 and over became regular internet users during the pandemic. This shift to digital living significantly transformed daily routines for older adults. Though many had to learn how to use smartphones, tablets, or laptops for the first time, the long-term benefits were substantial.
One standout platform was Zoom. Virtual calls became a lifeline for seniors—enabling family bonding, remote celebrations, and emotional support during lockdowns. These digital tools for elderly people helped combat loneliness and created structure through weekly catchups, games nights, and group chats with loved ones.
Beyond socialising, many older adults began participating in virtual fitness classes, hobby groups, and online learning. For those in care homes or living independently, these tools provided ongoing mental stimulation and meaningful social engagement.

Home Lifts UK: Making Homes Safer and More Comfortable
As concern grew around hospital visits and external care, families began looking at how to make their homes safer and more accessible. The demand for practical mobility aids surged, with stairlifts becoming a key solution for ageing in place.
Compact stairlifts allow older adults to move freely between floors without assistance. These are particularly beneficial in older UK properties with limited space—perfect for anyone searching for the best stairlift for narrow stairs.
For those recovering from illness or dealing with long-term mobility issues, installing a stairlift helps maintain confidence, comfort, and independence in their own home—without the need for relocation or dependency on others.
The Rise of Modern Stairlifts and Smart Home Technology
Post-pandemic, the adoption of smart home technology has rapidly increased among older adults. When paired with mobility aids like stairlifts, these innovations offer a powerful combination for independent living.
Today’s modern stairlifts are sleek, quiet, and designed with user comfort in mind. Whether you require a straight stairlift or a bespoke curved stairlift, there are options to suit nearly every staircase. At Homelife Stairlifts, our advisors regularly help families select the best stairlifts for elderly individuals living alone, tailored to specific home layouts and mobility needs.
Voice-activated assistants like Alexa and Google Home have also become everyday tools—allowing seniors to set medication reminders, control lighting, or make calls without lifting a finger. Though simple, these features help create a safer and more manageable living environment, especially in the years following COVID.
Looking Ahead: Redefining Independent Living
The pandemic fundamentally changed how we think about home, care, and independence. For older adults, the goal has shifted from simply staying safe to living independently with dignity and comfort.
Whether it’s through tech-enabled communication or installing a stairlift for home, COVID-19 has opened the door to meaningful conversations about ageing in place. At Homelife Stairlifts, we’re proud to support this vision—offering tailored mobility solutions that help people stay confidently in the homes they love.
Blog Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic brought major disruption—but it also ushered in transformative changes in how seniors live. From the increased use of video calls and online health services to the rising adoption of smart stairlifts and home modifications, older adults are now better equipped to remain safe, connected, and in control. With thoughtful adaptations and trusted mobility solutions from Homelife Stairlifts, it’s possible to thrive—not just survive—in a post-COVID world.
Why Choose Homelife Stairlifts?
With over 25 years of experience, Homelife Stairlifts is trusted by families across the UK for reliable, tailored stairlift solutions. We offer friendly, expert advice, smooth professional installation, and ongoing aftercare and maintenance to ensure complete peace of mind. Whether you need a straight or curved home stair lift, our team is here to support your independence every step of the way.
Call us today on 0800 175 4410 to chat with our team, or fill out our Contact Us form to arrange your free, no-obligation home assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best stairlift for narrow stairs depends on the layout of your home. Compact designs and folding footrests are ideal. Homelife Stairlifts offers Bespoke solutions to ensure safe and space efficient access. Both our Synergy Straight and Infinity Curved stairlifts are designed to navigate even the tightest of staircases with ease.
Stairlifts provide independence and peace of mind, reducing the risk of falls on stairs and removing the need for outside help to navigate between floors.
Yes! From video calls and medication reminders to smart thermostats and stairlifts, technology enables older adults to manage daily tasks, stay connected, and maintain control over their environment.