Think about a loved one of yours who is unable to walk two steps without any assistance or even stand up. So, it’s out of the question how they will reach the upper floor! In such cases, installing a stair lift can be a game-changer for a close one facing mobility issues. It allows them to move between levels of their house. What’s important is to make sure that the selected stair lift satisfies all practical demands and preferences. So, you need to take some time and analyze some important factors to consider before buying & installing a stair lift. We have brought you this knowledge guide to help you with an informed and satisfying purchase that will improve accessibility and quality of life in your home!
What Is a Stair Lift?
A motorized chair called a stair lift moves along a rail firmly fastened to your stairs. It is designed to assist those who are experiencing difficulty climbing steps to reach the upper or lower level of their house or outdoor area. There are various types of stair lifts available, such as indoor, outdoor, curved rail, and straight rail. This tool is fantastic for people who can still stand and support their weight but have trouble mounting stairs. Wheelchair users with sufficient upper body strength can also benefit from a transfer from the wheelchair to a lift.
What Factors to Consider Before Buying & Installing a Stair Lift
Your loved one’s mobility at home can be greatly increased by installing a stairlift, but this decision needs to be carefully thought through. The following are some essential considerations before moving on with the purchase:
1. Understanding Your Stair Lift Needs
Stairlift is a motorized device and is used to carry people up and down stairs easily. Usually, it consists of a platform or chair fixed to a railing system that runs the length of the staircase. Let’s understand why you may need a stairlift:
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Mobility Needs
The greatest advantage of a stairlift is the assurance of greater mobility and independence. It is easier to ascend stairs with a stairlift which also lowers the possibility of falls and injuries.
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House Compatibility
Examine the design of your house before purchasing a stairlift to be sure it can hold this mobility aid. Because of their versatility, stairlifts can be installed on many kinds of staircases. It also includes outdoor, curved, and straight ones. If you’re not sure which stairlift model is suitable for your house, ask experts. Showrooms have professionals on staff who can perform a comprehensive inspection and provide tailored advice.
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Your Condition
A stair lift can help people with mobility limitations live more independently in their own homes, greatly enhancing their quality of life. Being able to move about the house in comfort and safety fosters a sense of dignity and independence. If you have a loved one in your home looking for such assistance, a stair lift will be of great help.
2. Recommended Type of Stair Lift
The type of home or building and the types of stair lifts available should be taken into account primarily. Stairlifts can be placed both inside and outside residential buildings. Regulations for commercial structures are more stringent. Here are three types of stairlifts explained:
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Straight Stair Lifts
The straight stairlift is among the most popular models of stairlifts. This choice is intended for straight staircases that don’t have any twists or curves. A chair and a straight stairlift rail are installed on the stair tread of straight stairlifts. This stairlift is usually the cheapest and the easiest to install. It’s also least likely to interfere with house décor because the track is not mounted to the wall.
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Curved Stair Lifts
The curved stairlift is the other most popular type of stairlift. It is made to make curved stairs, like spiral staircases or stairs that round corners, easy to use for people with disabilities. The stairlift’s chair will largely resemble a straight stairlift’s, but the track will be curved. Thanks to the curved rail, the user can have a smooth ride that can withstand turns of any angle, including 90° and 180°.
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Standing or Perch Stairlifts
Users can ascend the stairs without sitting down with standing or perch stairlifts. This feature may benefit people with trouble sitting because of uncomfortable or painful hip or knee joints. For people who find sitting uncomfortable but also find it difficult to stand for more than a minute, the Perch Stairlift is the perfect choice.
3. Consider Your Budget
It’s important to account for both the initial cost of stair lift installation as well as ongoing costs like maintenance, warranties, and possible financing.
4. Dimensions of Your Staircase
Stairlifts fit even on narrow staircases because they are surprisingly compact and discreet. The following are typical measurements for stairlifts:
- When the seat is folded, the depth from the wall is 14–16 inches/35–40 cm.
- When the seat is unfolded, the depth from the wall is 25–27 inches/64–69 cm.
- Seat width between armrests would be 20 inches/51 cm (wider and narrower variants available)
- Height of the seat could be between 20–26 inches (51–66 cm).
The minimum width required for a stairlift to fit your stairs safely is 29 inches or 73 cm. This is to ensure the seat doesn’t hit any stairs and to allow other users to pass the stairlift without being hindered. Head clearance is another consideration to ensure users can fit properly in the seat throughout. It’s usually not a problem, though.
5. Reviewing Stairlift Brands and Models
There are countless models and brands available that provide stair lifts of different types, classes, and quality. If you find it difficult to select the ideal model for your needs, try following the below-mentioned procedures:
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Top Stairlift Models
When choosing one, it’s essential to consider the stairlift’s reputation for dependability and quality. Many of the best stairlift models available today have been designed and manufactured by renowned brands. Check online for those!
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Reading Customer Reviews
Purchasing a stairlift is an important decision that requires careful consideration of a number of variables. It can be challenging to distinguish reliable suppliers from businesses that merely care about making a sale and do not value providing excellent customer service. It’s because there are so many stairlift firms that claim to give the finest service or the best pricing. Read reviews from real users online to get a better idea of the particular products.
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Professional Recommendations
If you’re thinking about purchasing a stairlift, it may be helpful to speak with a general practitioner or an occupational therapist for your loved one with mobility issues. Also, medical professionals may be able to provide you with unbiased advice on whether you need a stairlift installed in your home. If you’re lucky, they may direct you to organizations and charities that can assist with stairlift financing, including grants and loans.
You should talk to friends or family who have opted to install stairlifts in their houses to learn more about the procedure and their experiences. To help you make the best choice possible, friends and relatives may be able to suggest businesses that they have had positive experiences with.
6. Check Warranty
The majority of stair lift manufacturers provide warranties covering both material and workmanship flaws. However, these warranties can be nullified if a qualified professional does not install the stair lift.
Employing a qualified installer will guarantee that the installation is completed accurately and in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Getting professional help maintains warranty coverage and shields you from liability for mishaps or malfunctions.
If you’ve already made up your mind to buy a stairlift, you should read our Stairlift Buying Guide. If you’re still unsure, you might find it helpful to read the article on how to choose a stairlift.
Installing a Stair Lift
Stair lifts are simpler to install than other accessibility options, even with their sophisticated technology. To minimize delay to the home environment, professional installation guarantees that the stair lift is mounted to the staircase safely and securely. Here are some points you must learn, though:
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What Is Involved?
There will be some noise made during the stair lift installation. The stair lift will first be cleaned, removing any obstacles. The stair lift rail will be cleaned and oiled before being installed, which often involves some noise.
The stairlift is joined to the stair lift rail once the rail has been installed. Following the installation of the stair lift, engineers will test it in various locations to ensure its function. When everything is tested and satisfied, including the safety features, the crew will clean the stairs like you’ve just moved into a brand-new house.
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Neat Fitting
Drilling holes through the carpets is necessary. That’s because most stairlifts’ running rails are installed directly onto the stair treads. Where the controls are mounted on the wall, the decor is impacted.
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Getting It Right
The stairlift installer will demonstrate how to use it. They will ensure your loved one is comfortable and capable of handling it and can make any required modifications. Verify that their feet can comfortably rest on the footrest and are spaced apart from the seat.
Conclusion
A stairlift installation can enhance the quality of life for people with mobility problems. You can make a choice by knowing the factors to consider before buying & installing a stair lift. Which sort of stair lift you want depends on your home’s compatibility and the proportions of the staircase. You can select the best stairlift for your needs by investigating brands. Also, reading reviews and consulting a specialist can help you make the right choice.
At Call Before You Fall, we provide expert installation services that come with high-quality stair lifts to improve accessibility in your house. Allow us to help you in locating the ideal stair lift option. Reach out to us right now for a consultation and start along the path to increased freedom and mobility.
