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I would leave dad alone. None of us want to witness a fall, but we also can’t prevent them, they are the true curse of aging and totally inevitable. My dad fell many times, several times while literally right next to me. Your dad has lived to an amazing age. Let him have his happy place and accept that he will leave this earth exactly when he’s meant to, despite anything you attempt to control. I wish you both peace
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First I have to admire your dad. I have a ways to go before I'm 100 and I can tell you going up and down stairs is definitely not on my list of things to do each day. The fact he does it multiple times just boggles my mind.
The concern I would have with installing a lift is if he refuses to use it it makes the stairs even more narrow and can be a trip hazard if / when he does use the stairs.
Is the stairway well lit? Do the lights come on automatically? Is there a sturdy hand rail? Is the stairway clear of any objects?
If everything checks out and is safe then have this discussion with him
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"Dad, I know I can't get you to stop going to the basement so what I need to know is if/when you fall what kind of medical care do you want? What advanced medical care do you want."
Also you might want a camera installed so you can monitor what happens. And if you have Alexa get him one so if he falls and is able he can say "Alexa call "cookmolly" and Alexa will contact you.
At 100 you are not going to change him.

Oh..and if he doesn't have them another walker and wheelchair to be left in the basement
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You father should not be going up and downstairs if he needs a walker and is wherlchair bound. What is in his basement that makes it a happybplace. Is there a way to bring up what makes him happy and put it in a garage, extra room or a shed? I wound find someway to to move his happy place and then put a lock on the door. Tell him its not safe for him going up down stairs. Can a lift be put in?
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Patathome01 Jul 13, 2025
He refuses to get a stairlift, but I agree with you for his safety.
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At 100 and has a happy place, I would let him enjoy it as long as he can.

We all have to die of something and going to your happy place and falling to your death wouldn't be a bad way to go.

Of course you could just get the lift installed and ask forgiveness instead of permission.
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DrBenshir Jul 8, 2025
Falling down stairs is a VERY bad way to go. Besides the pain and disability that are more likely than a quick death, the guilt of having Dad die from a preventable accident will leave everyone miserable for very long time.
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