What to look for when buying a stairlift

A guide to making the perfect choice of stairlift

For those of us approaching our later years, mobility and physical health is likely to be a central concern. A number of degenerative disorders exist in the world and few of these can be permanently rectified. Of course, this doesn’t mean that senior citizens should begin to despair but simply means that new products and services need to be used in order to help address any problems we may encounter.

One such product is stairlifts, with a number of elderly people using them to gain access to areas that may be more difficult to reach with health problems such as arthritis or other joint-related conditions.

Of course, there is no guarantee that you will develop these conditions but as a common ailment of the elderly it is something that should always be kept in mind.

Stairlifts and other aids are available in numerous formats and that means that finding the one best for you can be difficult. To help you make the best decision – whether you are buying a stairlift for yourself or for a family member – here are a few things you should look for:

1. Comfort and support

This is one of the most important things you should look at and should be offered by all stairlifts. Make sure that you place comfort and support as a top priority and ensure that the user is happy with the choice. Whilst the time spent in the lift will be fairly short it should still provide support to the lumbar regions of the back to provide optimum levels of comfort.

2. Easy operation

Stairlifts and other such devices will be no good if the user cannot operate them and this therefore needs to be considered. Always look at the control panel that is used and establish whether it is something which will be easy to understand. Manufacturers will always keep this in mind and you should therefore have no trouble finding a model which is suitable to you.

3. Addition services

Most manufacturers will offer to install the stairlift in your home but do they offer anything after this? Always enquire about future support systems and about whether they can offer a maintenance or servicing system to give you the peace of mind that your stairlift is still in the best working condition.

4. Cost and payment method

This is perhaps the biggest concern for individuals and no-one wants to spend more than they have to. Of course, you can’t put a price on freedom of mobility but those concerned about the implications should look at all the options available. For example, a reconditioned stairlift will usually cost less than new ones and some providers may even let you rent the lift for a monthly fee instead of paying for it all upfront.

5. Security and stability

Lastly, make sure you are comfortable with your purchase by reviewing its safety and security levels. Check to see if there are any additional safety features which are fitted and always use a specialised service to fit the lift into your home to ensure it is done correctly.

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