The Ultimate Guide to Stairlifts

Stairlifts are very useful machines that can play a major role in improving the quality of life for people struggling with limited mobility. A person who is otherwise able to live independently, but has trouble ascending or descending stairs in their home, could use a stairlift to access any part of the house they wish easily. 

However, if you’ve begun looking into stairlifts for a loved one, you’ve probably already realized there are many options from which to choose. Knowing you’ve made the right choice is much simpler when you have some degree of familiarity with the different types of stairlifts currently available. 

This guide will help. Review it to learn more about your options. Of course, our team at Alfix Stairlifts will also gladly answer any questions you may have on this topic.

How to Budget for a Stairlift 

This is an early point to consider when you first begin looking for a stairlift. You need to have some idea about how you plan to pay for the unit. Granted, you may be able to pay for a new one easily, but it’s also worth noting there are other options if you’re looking for ways to save money. You can buy used stairlifts, or get a stairlift rental if your needs are not permanent. Again, this may not be necessary, but it is possible to equip a loved one with a stairlift without paying for a new unit if you can’t currently justify doing so. 

Sometimes it’s necessary to perform some basic mathematics in order to determine the right option for your budget. For instance, if you expect the lift’s user to be moving house eventually, you may want to calculate how much longer they’ll be remaining in their home, how much it will cost to purchase and install a new stairlift, and how much it would cost to rent one. The results of these calculations will help you better understand whether renting a unit is in your best interests. 

This is an instance in which it can be very useful to discuss your needs with professionals. Numerous factors can influence the cost of a stairlift. By speaking with experts, you’ll get a better sense of how to balance choosing the right unit with saving money.

Know What Type of Electric Lift You Want 

The right stairlift for your needs is one whose track matches the shape of the stairs in its user’s home. That’s why different models come with different types of tracks. Some are straight, while some are curved. Curved stairlifts are also useful when a person’s staircase arrives at a landing platform before reaching the top or bottom. If they aren’t able to transfer over to another lift, the same one may curve around to bring the user all the way up or down the staircase. 

Additionally, not all stairlifts require the user to sit down into them. Some users find this to be uncomfortable due to their physical condition. They benefit from using perched stairlifts. These units have seats that are higher up than a typical seat. Thus, the user doesn’t need to sit as far down in order to get on the stairlift. 

Regardless of which style you choose, you’ll also want to be sure the seat is the proper size for the person using it. A simple way to determine this is to compare it to a seat they would use at a dining room table. Although you may not be able to find a lift whose seat perfectly matches the size of its user’s dining room chair, finding one that’s relatively similar is key to keeping the lift’s user as comfortable as possible.

Keep Safety in Mind When Buying a Stairlift 

It’s always important to check the maximum weight capacity of a stairlift you plan on buying, or even a stairlift rental. This is merely a basic safety issue. Manufacturers determine the maximum weight for these machines carefully. On top of that, you have to remember a user’s weight isn’t the only weight that will be exerted on the lift. For instance, if they were to get on the lift while carrying heavy items, they could exert extra pressure on it. Make sure you choose a unit that can support its user’s weight and the weight of any additional items they might carry onto the lift with them. 

(That said, it’s important to use lifts primarily as means of transporting a person from one level of their home to another. Using them to transport other items can be unsafe. Be certain your loved one thoroughly understands this before the lift is installed).

Look Into Extra Stairlift Features 

Not all stairlifts have the same features. Taking the time to research the different features different units offer helps you make a more informed decision when you finally choose which unit to purchase or rent. 

For instance, some straight stairlifts have seats which swivel. This helps a user get off the seat. Because it swivels, they can point it away from the stairs. This might be a feature your loved one will be interested in as a means of boosting their safety. 

Other features alert a user if the lift is not parked in the correct position for charging. Most stairlifts run on batteries that need to be charged in order for the lift to function. In some models, the lift must be parked in a certain spot for charging to occur. If a user gets off before the lift has completely reached the necessary spot, this feature will let them know. Consider it if the person using the stairlift tends to be forgetful. 

Additionally, most typical stairlifts feature seatbelts. This is often sufficient for the user’s needs. However, there are some users whose physical condition requires them to practise extra safety steps. Such individuals benefit from stairlifts equipped with full harnesses. 

You should also look into the various types of call stations available. The call station is essentially the device a person uses to call the stairlift to them when it’s on another level of the home. Some call stations are connected to the unit by wires, while others work remotely. This may be more convenient, but a forgetful user could misplace the device. Keep this in mind when considering your options.

Prepare for a Consultation 

Don’t worry if any of this seems overwhelming or intimidating. Professionals who sell and install stairlifts know this is a specialty item that most people don’t have experience purchasing. Thus, most people don’t feel entirely confident throughout the process. 

That’s what a consultation is for. A professional will arrive at your home and assess both your staircase and the needs of the stairlift’s eventual user. Although it helps to have done some degree of research beforehand, remember that the specific purpose of this step is to help you choose a unit. If you’re still not sure you know which type of stairlift your loved one needs, an expert will gladly make strong recommendations.

Don’t Try to Install an Electric Stairlift Yourself 

You may be tempted to try and save money by performing the stairlift installation on your own. While this is an understandable impulse, it’s also one you should resist giving in to. 

Installing a stairlift requires proper training. These pieces of equipment are complicated. Making sure every step of the installation was performed correctly is very important. You could put the user’s safety at risk if you try to handle this step yourself and end up overlooking a crucial detail. Additionally, the stairlift might not function reliably if it was not installed properly. That means you’ll have to schedule repair service in the future. 

This is a task that needs to be left to the professionals. In the long run, you’ll save time and money hiring experts to perform the installation. You’ll also know you haven’t accidentally put a loved one in harm’s way.

Read the Manual 

As with any new piece of equipment, it’s important for you to thoroughly read the manual when you get a new or used stairlift. Understanding how to operate and maintain it is crucial. If any aspect of the maintenance process sounds complicated, thoroughly discuss it with the user to determine if they may need extra help.

 Of course, if you need extra help choosing, installing, or repairing a stairlift (or if you want to schedule a stairlift rental), our team at Alfix Stairlifts is happy to offer it. To learn more about what we can do for you, contact us online today.