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About Stair Lifts
For users with impaired mobility, installing a stairlift can offer many benefits. Some of these benefits can include:
Increased Independence
Most obviously, installing a stair lift provides the user with the benefit of no longer having to tackle a staircase that they find challenging. Of course, this is ideal for anyone with limited mobility and gives them the opportunity to be more free both in their own homes and in public buildings that feature a stair lift.
It is unfortunate that many older people come to rely on their loved ones to assist them at home, but a stair lift is a great way to bring back some independence, and can mean that the elderly person is able to remain in their own home without friends and family worrying that they will become injured. There is nothing quite like having peace of mind, especially where those you care about are concerned.
For some people, they will have spent years avoiding going into certain parts of their homes for fear of falling on the stairs. Many elderly people convert the downstairs of their property and avoid ever having to go upstairs. But having a stair lift gives them the freedom to enjoy all of their homes rather than just a few rooms.
Helps to Reduce Accidents
It may come as a surprise to learn that the stair lift offers many more benefits than just the obvious, for example, safety is greatly improved.
There is a chance that, without the aid of a stair lift, a person may trip on the stairs and cause a significant injury. It will, therefore, not be surprising to learn that as many as
60% of deaths from
falls in the elderly come as a result of falling on the stairs. This is a terrifying figure, but could be potentially eradicated if all vulnerable older people were to make use of a stair lift.
Can Be Installed on All Stairs Types
Many people are under the impression that a stair lift comes in just one design and that they are only suited to straight stairs, but this could not be further from the truth.
One of the great advantages of installing a stair lift is that no matter what type of stairs you have or where they are situated, there will be an option for you. The modern stair lift is a versatile and diverse piece of equipment that can be fitted to curved or straight stairs, and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Pain Free Access
If, during your later years, you struggle with pain from conditions such as arthritis, climbing the stairs can be a very uncomfortable experience. Even if you can manage the journey safely, it may not be completely pleasant, but a stair lift can solve this problem and allow you to use the stairs without any discomfort.
Can Be a Cost-Effective Solution
By installing a stair lift, you stand to save a lot of money. There are a lot of older adults who make the painstaking decision to sell their beloved homes and move into a home that is more accessible such as a bungalow. However, this is not always a preferable option and practicality certainly shouldn't outweigh sentimentality if it doesn't need to.
A lot of older people have spent many happy years in their homes and do not want to have to leave so rather than upping sticks and going into either a residential home or a private residence that doesn't feel like home, there is the more affordable option of fitting a stair lift.
Types of Stair Lifts
As we have discovered, stair lifts are not limited to one particular type and in this modern day, there are many options, which means that you will always be able to find a stair lift to suit your requirements.
One of the first things to think about before purchasing a stair lift is what type you will need. Below, we will look at the various types to give you a clear idea of which will work best in your home.
Straight Stair Lift
One of the most commonly used stair lifts is the straight stair lift and one of the great advantages of this is that they usually come with a rail that can be adjusted or cut to fit the staircase on which it will sit.
This type of stair lift is used indoors and come in a variety of weights. Depending on the weight of the user, you can select a straight stair lift that has a maximum capacity of between 300lb and 600lb but this will vary by manufacturer and is something that you should question - but more on that later.
As its name may suggest, the straight stair lift is designed for use on a staircase that goes straight up and down with no bends or curves. One of the many benefits of these is that they are very easy to install.
Curved Stair Lift
Not all homes feature a perfectly straight set of stairs - some homes have a curved staircase and others have right angles where we see a mini landing. But just because the staircase is a little more complex, that is not to say that a stair lift cannot be installed.
There is the option to purchase a pre-made curved stair lift but if you want a really snug fit, it is preferable to have a custom made rail that is perfectly adapted to your staircase.
Many manufacturers offer this service and will use a sophisticated photo system to ensure that the measurements are down to a T.
Outdoor Stair Lift
It is not uncommon to find a set of stairs outside, in fact, many gardens are set on multiple levels and just because we have reached our later years, this doesn't mean that we shouldn't be free to enjoy those areas of the garden that are more difficult to access.
This is just one application of the outdoor stair lift which is specifically designed to stand up to the elements, no matter what the weather. What's more, you'll find that most stair lifts of this kind feature a handy cover for added protection. There are two main types of cover - the canopy which is located above the chair and a removable cover that can be stowed away underneath whilst the chair is in use.
Furthermore, outdoor stair lifts can be customized to suit your stairs and come in both straight and curved formats.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Stair Lift
Your new stair lift is going to assist you for many years to come and so it is important to think carefully about the various features of the piece of equipment, but also the following factors.
Doing so will make certain that you purchase the most suitable stair lift for your needs. Whilst there are many affordable stair lifts on the market, this should be seen as an investment so it is not worth parting with your money for a product that will be substandard.
Shape of the Staircase (Straight/Curved)
The most obvious thing to consider when buying a stair lift is what type of lift you will need. However, choosing between straight and curved options isn't the extent of the decision.
There are some homes whose stairs are significantly steeper than average and this can require specialist alterations. The same can be said for staircases which are not as wide as you would find in most homes.
Speaking to the manufacturer or installation expert will allow you to get a good idea of what your requirements are and will ensure you are getting a stair lift that both fits and functions correctly.
Size of the User
Each of us is different and it's no secret that we all weigh different amounts, but for this reason, a stair lift that is suitable for one person may not be ideal for another.
Where safety is concerned, it is vital that you inspect the weight capacity of the stair lift to ensure that it will fully support the person using it.
Most stair lifts are designed to hold people weighing up to 300lb. However, there are those which are able to hold heavier weights and a lot of manufacturers are now adding more heavy-duty products to their catalogs, with some models being able to carry people who weigh up to 600lb.
Safety Features
One of the most important things to be certain of when purchasing a stair lift is that it is going to be safe to use. Since this is a piece of equipment that you will be relying on for probably the rest of your life, you need to be sure that it is not going to pose a risk of injury.
Many people install a stair lift as a way of preventing injury from trips and falls, the last thing you want is to then use a stair lift that puts you in even more danger.
Modern stair lifts offer superior stability but it is still worth investigating what the model you are looking at can offer, For example, the addition of a seatbelt is imperative, this is especially important for those who are a little more unsteady even when sitting down - it doesn't bear thinking about what might happen if you were to lose balance at the top of the flight of stairs. All of the newer stair lifts now come with a fitted seatbelt for maximum safety and one of the most notable features is that many are fully retractable. This means that you will not need to fight to move the seatbelt out of the way when you are positioning yourself in the chair.
Furthermore, a good stair lift will be fitted with sensors that are able to pick up on anything that may be obstructing its path. These sensors are located in both the motor and in the footplate for maximum effect and will prevent both accidents and damage to the stair lift itself.
Comfort
It is important that, if you are going to be using a stair lift regularly, you have a pleasant and comfortable ride.
When looking at modern designs you can expect to find a range of features that give you cushioning and support, as well as additional safety. For example, many stair lifts come with the option to adjust both the height of the seat as well as the position of the arm rest - this will make the chair as comfortable as possible for the individual.
Space Available
We have already discussed that some staircases are narrower than others and in this case, or even if you have a wide staircase but need to save space, it is important to think about ways in which the stair lift can fit in without becoming an obstruction to other people (or pets) using the stairs.
Of course, there are options for slimline stairlifts that are perfect for narrower staircases but the options go even further than this.
You should look at which features of the product will free up space when the stair lift is not in use. One of the most common space-saving features are flip-up arms and a flip-up footrest. However, there are also stair lifts which boast a seat that can be folded away when it isn't being used, and you'd be surprised how much space this can free up.
These features are especially important if there are other people in the home who will not be using the stair lift, as well as for creating a more aesthetically pleasing installation.
Battery Back-Up
Most modern stair lifts are powered by the main electrics within the home. This is the easiest and most efficient method of power. However, from time to time, you may experience a power outage and it is vital that you are still able to make use of your stair lift.
Before you make your purchase, you should check to make sure that the stair lift has a battery back-up. This is important in all cases but even more so if you absolutely must be able to use the stair lift to access the bathroom, for example.
Swivel Seat
The type of landing you have will depend on whether a swivel seat is necessary but for most people this added advantage makes using the stair lift that much simpler.
There are two main reasons for this - primarily, when you turn the seat so that you are not facing the stairs, getting off the stair lift becomes a lot safer and the risk of falling down the stairs is almost removed completely. However, in addition to this, getting off the lift on a flat surface means that dismounting is a lot easier to do.
Ease of Operation
Using your new stair lift needs to be easy, there is little point in making this type of investment if navigating the stairs doesn't become any easier. There are many options when it comes to an easy-to-use stair lift, but one of the most notable is automatic operation.
For example, many of the features that we have already talked about such as folding footrests and swivel seats can be fully motorised. Whilst there are manual options, if your mobility doesn't allow you to make use of this, an automatic solution is more preferable.
Additionally, you may opt for an arm-activated stair lift which gives you the opportunity to control things like the footrest with a simple push button on the arm rest.
Of course, stopping and starting the stair lift should be effortless with simple and easy-to-reach controls being an absolute must.
Stair Lift Warranty
When you buy a stair lift, you want to feel confident that it is going to serve you for a long time. When you are parting with your hard-earned cash, it is important that you have some kind of guarantee for both the product itself and the workmanship of the installation.
Various manufacturers will offer different warranties, but for the most part, you can expect to have at least one year of the labor as well as two years on the stair lift and its components. Anything less than this, and you should be asking why.
Stair Lift Condition
As with anything, there are options to buy either a brand new stair lift or a pre-owned one and of course, if you are going for the latter, it pays to be sure that the equipment has been well taken care of.
If you are buying a used stair lift from a manufacturer, you should ask whether there is still a warranty, and if the terms differ from new stair lifts. Additionally, do not be tempted to make a snap decision without having looked at the parts and tested them.
As a rule of thumb, if you are financially able and are planning to use the stair lift for longer than 12 months, opting for a new one is always going to be the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
Whether you are looking to buy a stair lift for yourself or are researching options for an older relative or friend, knowing what to look for in the product can go a long way in helping you to make the right decision.
There are, fortunately, multiple options when it comes to modern stair lifts and no detail is left ignored from superior comfort, to aspects that make the stair lift easy to use. It is important to consider your needs and the space and types of stairs the lift will be fitted on, before committing to a purchase.
Once you have decided on a product, you can expect to reap many benefits from
