A practical guide to help you determine the best solution.
If you, a loved one, or someone you care for is beginning to find the stairs a challenge - due to aging, injury, or long term mobility problems - a stairlift could be the ideal solution to staying safe and inmdependant in your own home.
But, how do you decide?
Whether you are just planning ahead, helping a parent, child, and/or relative you care for, or indeed making changes as a recent result of an injury or medical diagnosis, this article will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the right stairlift for your circumstances.
Choosing the right stairlift starts with understanding the layout of your home and your personal needs:
If your stairs have no bends or landings that you need to traverse, then a straight stairlift is your best option. They are also the most affordable - with new, reconditioned, and rental options available. A reconditioned straight stairlift can often be fitted the same day.
In this case, a curved stairlift is the option of choice. They can be more expansive as the rails have to be tailored to your staircase and as such may take longer to get installed. Also available as new or to rent, a high quality reconditioned curved stairlift can often save you a considerable amount of money and be faster to get installed. If you have multiple landings it is still recommended to have a bespoke curved stairlift fitted as multiple straight stairlifts between landings can be unsafe.
If your steps are outside and exposed to the elements, then you will need a specialised weatherproofed stairlift. These are most commonly straight stairlifts, but it is possible to find curved one. They will cost significantly more than indoor stairlifts. Sometimes, in the garden well designed ramps can be a better solution, especially for wheelchair users.
Does the user of the required stairlift have difficulty sitting or bending knees? If so, and the user is able to stand safely then a specialist perch or standing model of stairlift will be rquired. If they are unable to bend their knees, then careful assessment is needed as a stairlift may not be suitable.
Most standerd stairlifts, be they straight or curved, generally support weights of up to 133Kg, or 21 stone. If the weight of the user is greater than this, then a heavy-duty option is required.
If it is known that the user will require the stair lift for long term use - then it is often more cost effective to buy either a new, or reconditioned stairlift. If for short term - maybe 3 - 18 months, it may be more advantageous to hire a stairlift.
What options are available plus their pros and cons...
Stairlift Type:
Straight Stairlift
Best for:
Simple, straight stairlifts
Pros:
Cheapest and quickest to get installed
Cons:
Not suitable for landings, turns or spiral stair-cases.
Stairlift Type:
Curved Stairlift
Best for:
Spiral staircases, bends, half-landings
Pros:
Customised fit for smoothest operation
Cons:
Higher costs and longer lead times
Stairlift Type:
Perch / Standing Lift
Best for:
Users with knee / hip issues.
Pros:
Take up less space, easier for those who can't sit.
Cons:
Not as stable for those with balance issues.
Stairlift Type:
Outdoor Stairlift
Best for:
Garden access, external steps.
Pros:
Weather resistant and safe for outdoor use.
Cons:
Much higher costs and maintenance involved
For a reconditioned stairlift you can expect to save around 40%, possibly more, on the cost of a product that - in the case of Mobility 1st - offers the same functionality, safety and warranty of a new unit without compromising on quality.
Modern stairlifts come with a range of user-friendly features and safety devices built in:
Swivel seat (powered or manual) - making it safer to get in and out of the chair, especially at the top of the stairs.
Foldable seat, arms, and footrest - saves space when not in use and also reduces the possibility of obstruction
Remote control - so you can remotely call the lift up or down. Especially useful if their is a need for a carer to control the lift.
Safety sensors - needed to bring the lift to a stop should an obstacle be detected.
Battery powered operation - essential so that the stair lift works even when their is a loss of mains power.
Safety sensors - needed to bring the lift to a stop should an obstacle be detected.
Adjustable seat height - to improve comfort and safety for the user.
Seatbelts / harnesses - always required for added safety.
Most stairlift companies offer a free - no obligation home survey. Takling advantage of such an offer from a reputable supplier can save you considerable time and identify any issues that are not always readily visible. An onsite survey will usually involve:
Taking exact measurements of your staircase
Checking your stair case for stability and suitability
Checking for nearby doorways and other issues that may cause obstructions that need to be taken care of
Checking the location and suitability of any nearby power outlets
Identifying any tricky / difficult features
Recommending and discussing with you the most suitable models taking into account your needs and wants
Discussing with you any remedial actions that need to be implemented, costs involved and timelines
Like any electro-mechanical product, stairlifts need occaisional maintenance. Plus, even with the most rigourous quality audits and inspections, they can sometimes break down. Because of these issues, it is very important to make sure that all the users, when possible, are familiar with how the device works. Your installation engineer should go through this with you after they have tested their installation at your property.
It is also prudent to ask your provider:
How to, and how often to test the stairlift
What servicing / maintenance is included in your package
Whether they have a 24/7 contact in case of breakdowns / emergencies
What cover is included in the warranty, and how long the warranty will last
Whether you are planning for your own future or helping someone you care for stay independent, a stairlift can bring real peace of mind. By understanding your needs, comparing options, and working with a reputable UK stairlift provider, you can choose a solution that's safe, comfortable and well suited to your home.
