How to Choose the Right Stairlift for Your Home
Get in touchAre you looking for a way to keep your independence and stay in the home you love? A stairlift is one of the best ways for those with restricted mobility to do just that.
But with so many models with so many options, it can be tough to find the perfect stairlift for your home. Fear not; this guide will take you through all the critical steps you need to take to pick the ideal stairlift for your needs.
We’ll discuss critical factors such as safety, price and convenience, helping you to quickly break down the process of choosing and buying a stairlift, so you can focus on enjoying life and reclaiming your independence.
So let’s get right into it and walk you through the process of finding the perfect stairlift for you!
Factors That Influence Which Stairlift Is Right For You
There are several different factors that influence which stairlift is right for you and your needs, take a look at them below:
Staircase Design
When selecting a stairlift, the size and condition of your stairs should be the chief consideration to ensure it will fit your needs. Firstly, assess if the staircase is straight or curved, as these require different types of stairlifts.
Straight stairlifts are ideal for straight stairs with no turns or landings, while curved lifts are best suited for stairs that take one or more turns.
Furthermore, you will need to consider the width of your stairs as a wider platform stairlift may be necessary if they exceed 28 inches (709mm).
Consider also how wide you need the seat and armrests to be for comfortable use by users of all shapes and sizes.
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Finally, think about any obstacles that may be present on the staircase, such as any doors at the top or bottom – these must be taken into account when selecting the stairlift.
If there is a landing at either end of the staircase, it is wise to measure its dimensions as this will help you choose a product suitable for you.
It is worth bearing in mind that some types of stairlifts cannot easily negotiate tight curves nor are able to turn around very narrow landings.
Therefore, it is important to select a narrow stairlift that's manoeuvrable enough to allow safe entry and exit points at each level.
By considering these factors thoughtfully during the selection process, users can pick a stairlift perfectly suited to their home’s staircase.
With that said, it is important to keep safety and security in mind before making a purchase – this will be covered in further detail in the next section.
Safety and Security
Safety and security are two extremely important factors to consider when choosing a stairlift for your home.
A stairlift should provide peace of mind for those who use it, meaning it must be able to safely transport passengers up and down stairs with minimal effort.
Additionally, the ability to lock and secure the device should also be taken into consideration.
When it comes to safety, look for models that are equipped with sensors, such as pressure-sensitive edges. These sensors can detect when there is an obstruction in its path and will stop the lift automatically to avoid collision.
Also, make sure it has a left footrest switch and/or seat lock that will engage whenever the lift is not in use. This ensures that the chair cannot be accidentally activated while someone is transitioning onto or off of it.
Moreover, look for stairlifts installed with a seat belt, which provides extra support and added stability during travel.
In terms of security, the stairlift should come with an attendant control button that can only be accessed through a key switch. The attendant key activates and deactivates functions such as start/stop and call/send, preventing possible injury by limiting access when necessary.
The option to lock-off sections of the staircase may also be available, depending on the model you select; this allows you to prevent unauthorised use of certain sections at different times of the day or night.
These features not only provide a safe transport experience but also ensure that nobody can tamper with the system without authorisation and increase overall security of the user.
With these considerations in mind, let’s move on to examine some important features you should take into account when choosing a stairlift for your home:
Important Stairlift Features to Consider
When choosing a stairlift for your home, there are several important features to consider. Firstly, the stairlift must be tailored to your individual needs and requirements.
Consideration should be given to the size of the user, any physical challenges they have, as well as their mobility and accessibility needs. It is also important to consider safety features such as emergency stop buttons and seatbelts.
Additionally, it is worth looking into powered options for folding rail systems and swivel seats to ensure greater comfort and convenience when using the lift. Battery operated models should also be considered as these will run even in the event of a power outage.
The ability to customise the stairlift is another important feature that may need consideration, depending on your specific needs or requirements.
Some models come with adjustable armrests and footplates, while others may include adjustable speeds or variable angles to suit different types of stairs. It is also possible to add additional features such as handrails and keypads if desired.
Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with many of these features. While customising the stairlift may make it more comfortable to use and easier for a user with reduced mobility, this can also add to the cost of the lift significantly.
It is therefore important to weigh up all of your options carefully and assess which features are necessary before making your decision.
Moving forward, size and design options should carefully be taken into consideration when selecting a stairlift for your home. In the following section we will discuss these options in further detail.
Stairlift Size and Design Options
Size and design options are among the most important factors to consider when choosing a stairlift for your home. You'll want to make sure you select one that best fits your needs and provides the most mobility for you or your loved ones.
A stair lift should be designed to fit within the particular area in which it will be installed. A longer wheelbase can provide more stability, while a narrow wheelbase can fit in tighter spaces.
You’ll also want to consider the size and weight of the lift itself, as well as whether or not it is capable of being folded away when not in use.
While having a larger and sturdier stairlift may sound ideal, it is important to ensure that it will fit into the space without causing any damage to the walls or stairs.
When it comes to style and design options, you'll find many models on the market today. Some offer more features than others and come with power folding seats or adjustable footrests.
This can make it easier for those with reduced flexibility to use the lift safely and easily. Additionally, there are models available in different colours and fabrics, allowing you to customise your stairlift to better match your home decor.
In making your decision on size and design, balance cost with accessibility needs. Consider also how much storage space is needed when not in use, if parts need replacing easily, and if there is any need for extra support beyond what is already built into the structure of your stairs.
In order to help determine what size and design options are best for you, research various models online and consult with an expert at a local medical equipment supplier prior to purchase.
With this information, you’ll have a better idea of which type of stairlift is best suited for your home.
The next section of this guide will address factors affecting cost – such as installation fees, service fees, purchasable accessories and extended warranties.
According to an article published in the journal of Arthritis Care & Research in 2019, studies have shown that using a stairlift significantly decreases pain and fatigue related to ascending and descending stairs for individuals with arthritis.
According to research published in 2016, over 82% of people who purchased a stairlift reported a positive effect on their ability to be mobile.
A 2017 survey of stair lift users indicated that 93% were satisfied with their purchase and would recommend it to someone else.
Factors Affecting Stairlift Cost
When purchasing a stair lift, cost is an important factor to consider. It is essential to think carefully about your budget before deciding on which stairlift to buy, as it may be difficult to reverse the decision for financial reasons once it has been installed.
Generally speaking, stair lifts are not cheap and the cost of installation can range anywhere up to several thousand pounds.
There are various factors that can affect the overall cost, including individual stair case measurements and features that require installation.
One of the main factors in determining cost is the length of the track, as more material needs to be used for longer staircases. Stair width and depth must also be measured and taken into account, as some stairlifts require a wider railing than others.
The condition of your stairs – either curved, straight or both - will also determine the price. An ageing elderly person with reduced mobility may need a more advanced type of stairlift than someone who is less dependent.
Furthermore, areas in which a foldable seat or two motorised ones are included will also add to the total costs.
Additionally, depending on how you acquire your stair lift and who supplies it, there may be other expenses involved such as stairlift servicing and stairlift repair charges if not already part of warranties given by retailers or manufacturers.
For example, ensuring you receive proper training on how to use the device could be necessary beforehand so as to familiarise yourself with its safety features.
Before making a decision on which stairlift to purchase based on its cost, it is best to weigh up all the pros and cons associated with it first.
On one hand, spending too little on something cheaper might result in replacing it prematurely due to avoidable issues; but spending too much on something overly-advanced could end up taking you beyond your allocated budget for the project.
In the next section we will look at how you can choose the right stairlift for your elderly person’s needs which should include comfort and safety requirements that cater for their specific situation.
Choosing the Right Stairlift for An Elderly Person
Choosing the right stairlift for an elderly person requires careful consideration. Comfort, safety and ease of use are key factors to take into account when making this decision.
Before selecting a stairlift, it is important to first assess the mobility of the individual and their physical condition.
Do they have sufficient strength and balance to be able to get on and off the chair safely? Is transferring from the lift chair to another surface easy? Will your loved one need assistance in using the lift?
Another factor to consider is the type of stairs in your home; is it straight or curved? Straight lifts are usually more affordable but are only suitable for staircases that go up in a straight line.
A curved stairlift is sinuous, with seating and footrests which can be adjusted to adjust to changing angles on curved stairs. These are often chosen for homes with spiral or ‘S’ shaped stairs.
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Weight plays a major role when considering which stairlift model is best for an elderly person. Some models can support up to 300 pounds, while others are limited to 200 pounds or less – so it’s important to check if the lift has a maximum supported weight limit that exceeds that of your loved one.
It is also essential to ensure that your loved one will fit comfortably into the seat, as most models are not adjustable in size.
Next you should assess features such as digital controls, remote operation and power locks or brakes. Finally, make sure you understand how the model will be mounted; depending on the type of stairs, you may need to install additional guardrails or handrails to provide extra support.
When selecting a stairlift for your elderly loved one, it's important to give careful attention to all these factors in order to choose the right model and ensure they have a safe, comfortable ride up and down the stairs.
To find out more about mobility, condition and weight considerations, read on for our guide on picking the right stairlift for your home.
mobility, condition and weight
One of the most important considerations when choosing a stairlift for a home is to assess the user’s mobility, condition, and weight.
There are different models available that accommodate various weights and the severity of a person’s physical condition.
For those with limited mobility due to a physical disability or ailment, a ‘perch seat’ is recommended which can raise the user higher up from the device so they can have better control when standing and sitting down.
This will allow them to have more stability and make getting on and off the stairlift easier. It should be noted that those with very severe limited mobility may require an additional hoist or winch system in order to access the stairlift safely.
Another factor is weight capacity. Maximum weight capacities vary between different models, so it is important to check this before making a purchase to ensure the stairlift chosen can support the individual who will be using it.
One advantage of modern stairlifts is that there are lightweight designs available which provide reliable support while maintaining a minimal footprint on the existing staircase.
This makes it easier for those with limited physical strength or mobility to operate even if they are above the suggested weight limit.
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It is also essential to consider any health conditions or limitations surrounding balance or body strength when selecting a stairlift model – this could include anything from mild arthritis to more severe neurological impairments.
The lift controls should be easy enough for anyone in their household who needs assistance with their daily activities to use without any strain or issue, meaning all need-to-know information must be considered in order to choose the right type of lift for someone’s home.
In conclusion, assessing mobility, condition and weight capacity when looking into buying a stairlift is vital in ensuring safe and comfortable usage of this equipment in any home environment.
Consideration of these elements will guarantee that not only safe use is obtained, but also assistance with accessing different floors around the house, which can improve independence significantly for those living with disabilities or impairments.
FAQs
How much does a stairlift typically cost?
A stairlift typically costs between £2,500-£7,500 depending on the make and model of the stairlift. This includes the cost of installation and any additional features or functionality you might want, such as a foldaway track.
The simplest models with fewer features can generally be purchased for around £2,500 while more complex designs might cost twice this much.
Installation costs usually average around £1,000-£1,500 depending on the complexity of the setup and if any modifications need to be made to the stairs themselves.
Factors such as travel distance and stairs may also change the price of a stairlift, so it's important to take all these into consideration when shopping.
What is the installation process for a stairlift?
The installation process for a stairlift is an important step in making sure your stairlift works correctly and safely. First, you need to select the type of stairlift that best fits your needs and budget – this includes deciding between a straight or curved model, as well as the width of stairs you are working with.
Once the selection has been made, professional installers will then come to measure and accurately fit the stairlift to your stairs.
The technicians will then mount the track along the stairs, install the lift carriage, secure all connections and test for safety before setting it up for use.
The entire process should take no more than one to two days, depending on the complexity of the installation.
What are the most important features to consider when choosing a stairlift?
When choosing a stairlift, there are several important features to consider that will help you make the best decision for your home.
Firstly, it’s important to assess the overall safety of the stairlift. Ensure that it has been certified by an independent authority and check for features such as armrests and seatbelts, which can help restrict any potential falls.
Additionally, consider whether it has been designed to fit with your staircase size and shape; if need be, look into customised models that can be tailored to fit awkward areas.
Secondly, comfort should play an essential role in your choice of stairlift. Look for adjustable seats so that you can alter the settings according to your body and posture, or a swivelling chair that allows for an easy entry and exit from the stairlift itself.
Swivel seats may also be beneficial for those with limited mobility, as they allow the user to get on and off the stairlift with minimal effort.
Thirdly, durability and performance should be taken into consideration too. Check out reports on how well different models perform over time and read up on their reliability ratings through customer reviews or independent tests.
It is also wise to check with your stairlift company on service warranties and maintenance packages available so that you can reduce stress in case of any mechanical faults throughout ownership.
Finally, cost plays an important factor too; always research around for competitive pricing depending on the model and features you require.
Look for special discounts or promotions to get a good deal when purchasing a high quality stairlift without sacrificing safety or other factors.
Summary
It's always best to look into each and every feature of stairlifts, as well as your specific needs in order to determine the what the best stair lift for you really is.
We hope you found our blog post useful, and if you're interested in learning more regarding the services we can offer, please feel free to get in touch.