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Stairlift Buying Guide For A Loved One

As a loved one ages or faces mobility challenges, ensuring their safety at all times is important – and moving within their home independently becomes the priority. A stair lift can be considered to be a valuable investment, allowing your loved one to make their way up and down their staircase with ease and confidence.

In this blog, we will explore the different types of stairlifts available to purchase and help you gain an understanding of the key considerations when buying a stairlift for a loved one.

Understanding the Need for a Stairlift

Before you decide to purchase a stairlift for a loved one, it is important to have a good understanding of their personal needs that may suggest that they require a stairlift in their home. Here are key factors to look out for:

Assessing Mobility and Safety Needs

Evaluating your loved one’s mobility and safety requirements will provide a better understanding of whether purchasing a stairlift will support their needs. Assessing their physical abilities, such as walking, balance, and any other medical conditions will provide a key indication.

Be sure to consult with your loved one’s healthcare provider for a professional assessment of their mobility and safety needs.

Home Layout and Staircase Design

The layout and design of your loved one’s home are key factors when it comes to choosing the type of stairlift that is best suited for their home.

Having a good understanding of the fundamentals of the layout is assessing the design such as measuring:

  • The length
  • The number of steps

There are various types of stairlifts to purchase and identifying whether the staircase is straight or curved will influence the type of stairlift you choose.

Types of Stairlifts

There are various types of stairlift models for you to choose from for your loved one and all types are available to you at Home Stairlifts. Here are the different types of stairlifts below:

Straight Stairlifts

Straight stairlifts are designed to be best suited for staircases that don’t have a tailored layout. Straight stairlifts are known to be a very popular design of stairlifts due to being highly reliable and more affordable to be installed.

They are designed to move from floor to floor on a straight rail, making them highly ideal for standard staircases.

Curved Stairlifts

Curved stairlifts are tailored and made to fit staircases that are designed with curves, turns or landings. The rail of a curved stairlift is specifically to match the layout of your staircase ensuring a perfect fit and easy installation.

It is important to be aware that a curved stairlift is considered to be more complex and more expensive than straight stairlifts when finding the best fit for your loved one.

Outdoor Stairlifts

If your loved one requires more assistance in their outdoor garden space, an outdoor stairlift is an ideal option to consider. These types of stairlifts are specifically designed to withstand various weather conditions and are made from durable weather-resistant materials.

This provides your loved one with an enhanced sense of safety and freedom when accessing their outdoor areas such as porches, gardens or garages.

Key Features of Stairlifts to Consider

When finding the best stairlift for your loved one, there are many key features to take into consideration. Here are some of the key features to consider:

Weight Capacity

All stairlifts come with different weight capacities, making it important to ensure that the stairlift you purchase can comfortably support your loved one’s weight.

The weight capacity for stairlifts varies but most standard models have a weight capacity of around 300 pounds. However, there are heavy-duty stairlift options available for higher weight limits for you to purchase if required.

Seat Design and Comfort

The stairlift seat design and comfort are important for your loved one’s satisfaction with the stairlift and their overall safety. To ensure optimal comfort, look for a stairlift with a padded and comfortable seat that is easy to get in and out of. Some stairlifts are often designed to offer swivel seats, making it easier to transition from the stairlift to a standing position.

Safety Features

The safety of your loved one is crucial when purchasing a stairlift for their home. There are many key features to look out for to ensure their safety. Here are some of the key features below:

  • Seatbelts
  • Footrest sensors
  • Battery backup
  • Lockable controls

Ease of Use

The stairlift should be easy to operate, especially for those with limited dexterity. Look for models with simple, intuitive controls, such as a joystick or toggle switch. Some stairlifts also come with remote controls, allowing caregivers to operate the lift if needed.

Budget Considerations

The stairlift cost often varies depending on the type, features, and complexity of the installation.

Stairlifts often cost between £10,000 to £20,000 but can vary depending on your stairlift provider. Many stairlift providers offer financing options such as monthly payments, making the product more affordable.

When looking to own a stairlift, it is important to consider the long-term stairlift costs associated with owning a stairlift, including maintenance, repairs, and potential upgrades. Factor these costs into your budget to ensure that when purchasing a stairlift for your loved one you can sustain the investment over time.

Purchase a Stairlift with Home Stairlifts

Buying a stairlift for a loved one is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of their mobility needs, home layout, and budget. Having a good understanding of the different types of stairlifts and key features will help during your decision-making process.

This will ensure your loved one gains a safe, reliable, and comfortable solution to provide them confidence and independence in their home.

Here at Home Stairlifts, our team are dedicated to assisting you in finding the perfect stairlift solution for your loved one’s needs. With our commitment to safety and comfort, you can rely on our services to ensure you receive a stairlift that is affordable and high quality.

FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR STAIRLIFT WOULD COST

Do you want to know how much a stairlift costs in the UK? Some staircases need a straightforward solution, while others require a tailored approach.

Purchasing a stairlift for a loved one?

We explore the different types of stairlifts available to purchase and help you gain an understanding of the key considerations when buying a stairlift for a loved one.