Guide to Buying a Stairlift

For anyone with mobility issues having a stairlift fitted is a great way to maintain independence in your own home. It’s cheaper and easier than moving or modifying your downstairs living space, and gives you the freedom to continue using the stairs without discomfort, pain or fear of falling. If you think a stairlift might be for you, it’s a good idea to arrange a chat with an occupational therapist before you go ahead and buy, as they will be able to guide you towards the best kind of stair lift for your individual requirements.

When choosing a stairlift, there are generally two main factors to take into consideration: your own particular mobility issues, and the size and shape of your staircase. With a variety of styles, models and price ranges available, you should have no problems in finding the stairlift that best suits your needs and expectations.

The Best Stairlift for Your Needs

Seated Stairlifts: The most common and most popular option, seated stairlifts carry the user up and down the stairs in a seated position. The seat usually swivels round on reaching the desired destination to allow you to get off more easily. When not in use, it can be folded away so as not to obstruct the staircase for others. So long as you have enough mobility to get on and off the seat unaided, the seated stairlift is a good option.

Standing Stairlifts: Some people may have issues – with the knee or ankle, for example – that prevent them from sitting comfortably. In this case, a standing stairlift is probably the ideal choice. Offering a footrest and security bar, they carry people easily and safely up and down stairs in a standing position. It’s even possible to buy stairlifts incorporating both sitting and standing options, which is useful if the lift needs to serve two or more users with different problems.

Perched Stairlifts: Another option for those who have difficulty sitting or bending is the perched stairlift. As well as the footrest and security bar of the standing stairlift, the perched lift provides additional support for the buttocks and is a particularly good choice for those with back pain.

The Best Stairlift for Your Home

Straight Stairlifts: If you have a conventional, straight flight of stairs from one floor to another, a straight stairlift is the best option for you. Fitted to the stair tread, they blend discreetly with your decor and can accommodate either a seat or a standing platform. Usually powered from the mains, they can also be fitted with battery packs as a contingency measure against power cuts. Straight stairlifts are very economical and quick to install.

Curved Stairlifts: Fitted to a rail that runs along the wall, curved stairlifts are designed to work with curved staircases or staircases incorporating bends or landings. They usually run on batteries which charge while the lift is stationary. Curved stairlifts have to be made to measure, and for this reason they tend to be more expensive and take longer to install than straight stairlifts.

Nowadays, most stairlifts are quiet, discreet and can be installed with the minimum of disruption. They are fitted with modern features such as rechargeable battery packs and remote controls which allow you to call the lift to the ground or first floor. All in all, the right stairlift will prove a valuable addition to your home, as it will allow you to go on enjoying it as you always have done.