Stairlifts 101: What You Need to Know Before Making a Decision

Stairlifts are mobility aids that help elderly people and individuals with disabilities move around their homes with ease. Stairlifts are a cost-effective, space-saving solution for elderly individuals who have difficulty climbing stairs or for individuals suffering from mobility problems.

However, like any other major appliance, stairlifts come with their fair share of points that you need to know.

Before investing in a stairlift, you must understand the benefits of buying one and what that means to you and your lifestyle before you consider making the decision to invest in one.

Quick Summary

• Stairlifts can greatly improve the mobility and independence of individuals with mobility issues, such as those with arthritis or other conditions that make climbing stairs difficult.
• Stairlifts can also reduce the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injury or death.
• Stairlifts can also increase access to multiple levels of a home, making it possible for individuals to stay in their homes as they age or recover from an injury, rather than having to move to a one-level home or assisted living home.
• Stairlifts are also available for outdoor use, which can make accessing different levels of a garden or outdoor living spaces easier for individuals with mobility issues.
• Some stairlifts also have a range of safety features like seat belts, footrest sensors, and obstacle detection sensors to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.

What is a stairlift?

A stairlift is a mobility device used to help individuals with limited mobility reach different floors within a property, most often attached near a current staircase.

The best stairlifts are designed around the individual’s needs, and they offer a wide range of safety features to ensure a secure and comfortable experience. When buying a stairlift, it’s important to consider the type of installation needed as well as any other needs the user or users may have, such as accessibility requirements or additional equipment such as a wheelchair.

There are many types of stairlifts for every situation, but we’ll talk about that more later.

What are the benefits of having a stairlift installed?

Stairlifts are a cost-effective and efficient way of increasing mobility for those who struggle to access different floors within their property, indoors or outdoors.

A stairlift can be customised to fit any stair size and design, increasing safety and security when using stairs. A stairlift also offers an easy and secure way of accessing all levels in the home, making it easier for people to move around the house and stay active.

And it doesn’t matter what type of staircase you have at home; we have straight stairways or curved stairlifts for more complex designs. So if you’re having trouble with mobility in your later years or if you’ve got an injury that’s causing significant mobility or pain, ask us for some recommendations and we’ll be glad to help.

The Different types of stairlifts available

If you’re concerned about your staircase not being able to accommodate a stairlift, there are plenty of options available for every situation.

A straight stairlift is the most common type of stairlift and is suited for most staircases. In some cases where you have a partial landing followed by a smaller set of stairs to your main landing, two sets of straight stairlifts could work.

If you’ve got a number of steps leading to your front door or steps in your garden, we can provide a range of outdoor stairlift options to help you navigate around, and yes, they’ll be suitable to deal with the typical UK weather.

Curved stairlifts are available at our shop and are perfect if you’ve got a spiral staircase or any sort of curvature in your staircase. They’re typically more expensive and longer to install but can solve a problem where needed.

Finally, platform lifts are suitable for people with limited mobility or wheelchairs who require a level platform to move up and down stairs safely.

Cost of installing a stairlift

When buying a stairlift, it is important to consider all the costs associated with the installation of the device. These include the cost of the stairlift itself, and the cost of installation, maintenance, and repairs.

Also, factors such as additional features such as power folding arms and remote control can increase the overall price of a stairlift.

You might be able to get financial help through your local council or NHS, and you can find out more by visiting the NHS website for guidance.

Features to consider before buying a stairlift

If you’re considering buying a stairlift, there are several features to consider. Safety features include anti-slip surfaces and safety sensors, which ensure the safety of the user.

Design and size are important factors when buying a stairlift. The size of the staircase will determine the type of stairlift used, with electric stairlifts being the most common. This is because they are easy to use, lightweight, and highly efficient. Electric stairlifts also have adjustable seats, footrests, and controls, providing added comfort and convenience for users.

Finally, the option to power the stairlift with a battery is vital as it allows for reliability if the power goes out. 

One final option to consider is the weight capacity of the unit, as most stairlifts can take around 18 stone (or 144 kg), but some can support 25 stone. Ask us for more information.

Should you hire a professional for installation?

If you are considering buying a stairlift, it’s important to consider the safety and legal implications of a DIY installation.

Depending on the law and regulations, stairlifts must be installed by a qualified professional with a valid certification from the brand and relevant authorities.

As an installer, you must be capable of safely supporting the weight of the user as well as any additional loads that may be placed on the stairlift.

This means that you should avoid attempting to install a stairlift yourself if you have limited experience or expertise in this area. Instead, find a reputable and qualified installer with experience installing stairlifts. This will ensure that the stairlift is installed correctly and safely.

When ordering a stairlift with us, we will make sure your stairlift is installed by a component engineer with years of experience.

Maintenance and repair tips for a stairlift

Stairlifts are a convenient and reliable way to access stairs. However, they require regular maintenance and repairs to ensure that they function properly and safely. It’s vital that you inspect the stairlift for wear and tear on a regular basis and follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for maintaining and repairing the stairlift. This will help ensure that it operates efficiently and safely for many years to come.

A few points to consider when inspecting a stairlift include checking that all parts are securely fastened, cleaning the tracks of debris, checking the safety features (such as stops) are working properly, and checking the brakes are functioning properly. A professional technician should conduct an annual inspection of the stairlift to ensure its safety.

We can help with the repairs and maintenance of your stairlift by giving us a call at 01296 326 115

Contact Our Stairlift Specialists

Stairlifts provide an easy, safe, and cost-effective way of moving between floors in the home, especially for those who are mobility impaired and live independently.

You should first consider your mobility and safety concerns, as well as the overall condition of your stairs and home before making a decision.

 If you’d like to know more about stairlifts, get in touch with our experts today.

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