Your Guide To Buying A Stairlift
Do you need a stairlift?
The first thing you need to do is be sure that having a stairlift will make life easier for you. If getting up and down the stairs has become too much of a daily struggle, then you may wish to consider living downstairs, or moving into a bungalow or ground floor flat. If you are thinking about changing to a ground floor living space, then one major concern to take into account is the availability of bathroom facilities: Age UK provide an extensive bathing range.
However, installing a stairlift is often a more practical and cost effective option, and it means less of a change to your lifestyle, allowing you to carry on living independently in your own home. Once you have decided that a stairlift is the right option for you, it is important to choose the stairlift which will best suit your requirements.
What do you need to know about stairlifts?
Before you go ahead and buy a stairlift, it is useful to contact an Occupational Therapist (OT), who will be able to offer you guidance on the best solution to your requirements.
If you know somebody who owns a stairlift, have a chat with them. That way you can get an honest and unbiased opinion about the advantages of having a stairlift, as well as some suggestions about what questions to ask.
There are a number of companies with good reputations out there. Get in touch with them to compare products, prices and the services they offer. Reliability and safety are the main factors to consider.
Don't let cold callers rush you into making a purchase. Take your time.
Click here to request a free stairlift information pack.
What is the best stairlift for you?
Think about your personal needs and which stairlift features you feel you would benefit from. Also consider how your situation might change over the long term.
Your stairs will need to be assessed by an expert. Call us on 0800 228 9609 to arrange a free, no obligation home visit from one of our friendly stairlift consultants.
There are various types of stairlifts, and it is vital that you choose the one which best suits your needs.
Seated stairlifts are the most popular model of stairlift, where the user can sit comfortably on a reasonably sized seat, which swivels at the top of the stairs to make it easier to get off. While it is possible to carry a walking stick on a seated stairlift, the same does not apply to larger walking aids, so it would be recommended to have two aids, one downstairs and one upstairs.
Straight stairlifts will only travel up a straight staircase, and they tend to be the cheaper option, with installation usually complete in just a few hours. Straight stairlifts are fitted to the stair tread rather than the wall of the staircase, so you needn't worry about it clashing with the décor of your home. Straight stairlifts are powered from the mains, and are available with a battery backup option in case of power failures, for your peace of mind.
Curved stairlifts are able to go round bends in the staircase, as well as glide across landings or half landings. All Handicare curved stairlift tracks are made to order, to fit each individual staircase. Curved stairlifts operate on a rail that fits very closely to the wall, even on tight bends, freeing up more space on the staircase. Most curved stairlifts run from rechargeable batteries, which are constantly topped up from charging points at the top and bottom of the stairs. The seat needs to be in the right place to charge, and there is a warning beep if it is in the wrong place.
Outdoor stairlifts provide easy access to exposed sites such as the steps leading up to your front door. They are provided with a weatherproof cover, so they are ready to use at any time.
It is also possible to have straight stairlifts with a transfer platform. This is ideal for homes that have straight staircases with half landings. However, this is only a suitable solution if you are mobile enough to make the transfer from one stairlift to another. If it is unlikely you will be able to do so in the future, then a curved stairlift may be more appropriate.
Things to consider before buying a stairlift:
Are you able to bend your knees and travel in a seated position? Will it be best for you to travel in a seated or standing position? If you prefer a standing stairlift, will there be enough headroom?
Do you have the dexterity in your hands to operate a standard stairlift remote control, or is an alternative method required, such as a joystick or toggle?
Are there doors, thresholds, banister rails, radiators, or any other potential obstructions near the staircase? If this is the case, you may require a hinged track. A stairlift track must extend beyond the staircase to the hall floor for the user to alight. A hinged track means that the track can be folded away from any arches or doorways, giving clear access.
The Minivator Simplicity Stairlift, Minivator Simplicity + Stairlift and Minivator 1000 Stairlift are all available with a manual hinged track. You will need to raise and lower the track manually, but this is very easy thanks to the gas strut assisted hinge. The Minivator 1000 Stairlift and Minivator 2000 Stairlift are both available with an automatic powered hinge. When the stairlift is not being used, the hinge can be folded by holding down a button on the remote control.
Sometimes people will try to save money by having a straight stairlift installed on part of a curved staircase, and attempt to manage the first or last few steps. Think: will you always be able to negotiate these steps? It is best for the stairlift to cover the entire staircase.
For free expert advice, call 0800 228 9609.
What should you expect from a home visit?
When a Handicare stairlift representative comes to see you at your home, you may wish to have somebody with you so that they can ask questions as well.
We will make a thorough assessment of your personal requirements and the dimensions of your staircase. We will also assess the ease with which you get on and off the stairlift. A written quotation will be provided for the entire cost of the stairlift, including installation. A deadline for stairlift installation should also be provided with the quotation.
You may be exempt from paying VAT, so it may be worth asking our representative if you are eligible. You can also ask to have all of our after-care services explained to you, such as stairlift warranty and repairs.
Remember, our stairlift consultations are free and there is no obligation to buy - you can feel free to make the decision in your own time.
To get started, simply call us on 0800 228 9609
or request a free stairlift DVD information pack
Handicare Ltd will raise a minimum of £800,000
during 2011 for Age UK via the promotion and sale of independent living products.
Handicare Ltd works in association with Age UK Trading Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Age UK, which donates it's net profits to Age UK.