Hawaii has a higher share of multigenerational households than any other state. Grandparents, parents and children sharing a home is both a tradition and a practical answer to the cost of living here. Most of those homes have two stories, and that is where difficulty begins as the grandparents get older.
The usual situation
- The bedrooms are upstairs
- Or the grandparents live in a downstairs unit while the family kitchen is above
- Either way, someone ends up cut off by the stairs
What an elevator changes
- Kupuna move between floors on their own, with dignity
- Family members no longer have to support someone on the stairs
- A relative using a wheelchair can go everywhere in the house
- Groceries, laundry and sleeping children ride too
Choosing an elevator
- For an existing home. A pneumatic elevator stands on the floor and needs no pit, which keeps construction down.
- For a renovation or new build. A traditional elevator in a framed shaft gives the largest cab.
- Size. Allow for a wheelchair and a helper.
Adding an ohana unit?
If you are building an addition or a second-story unit for family, plan access from the start. An elevator, or at least a stair that will take a stair lift, should be part of the design.
Safety with keiki in the house
Elevator doors lock unless the cab is at that floor, and a key switch can prevent children from using it unsupervised.
If an elevator is more than you need
A stair lift is a quicker and less costly way to help one person with one staircase.
Looking ahead
Homes here tend to stay in the family. An elevator installed for today’s grandparents will serve the next generation too.
Talk to us
Nationwide Lifts of Hawaii is based in Kapolei. Call (888) 323-8755 for a free in-home consultation.