Getting a stair lift can help those with mobility issues feel more confident and safer at home. Navigating the stairs can be a real challenge as your balance, vision and strength declines. This article will guide you through some of the important considerations when choosing stair lifts for the elderly.

What Will Suit Your Staircase

Rather than start looking for a specific design of stair lift you need to begin by looking at models suitable for the type of staircase you have. Curved staircases will need a custom stair lift that works with the bends on your stairs. A narrow staircase will need a slimmer stair lift.

Sit or Stand

You need to decide whether you would prefer getting a stair lift that allows you to sit or stand. Standing stair lifts tend to be more compact, so that brings you back to the type of staircase you have. But there are other reasons to have a standing chair lift. Users that struggle to adjust from sitting to a standing position will prefer being able to stay upright.

Sitting stair lifts are better suited to those who would struggle to balance with a standing chair lift.

Ongoing Costs

Make sure you ask about ongoing maintenance or service charges costs when narrowing down your choice of stair lift. It might be worthwhile looking at companies that have a no hidden fees policy. You do not want any nasty surprises.

Is It Worth Renting Instead?

You could estimate how long you think you might need a stair lift for and then decide whether its worth renting one instead of buying. Although how long you could need a stair lift might be difficult to judge accurately, it can be a good way to try before you officially buy.

Some companies do allow you to go on and buy the stair lift after a period of renting. If you have an accident and you know it’s only temporary, then renting is a viable option. My mum broke her foot so renting a stair lift would have really helped with her recovery. As it was she was limited to one level of the house instead.

What Features You Want

Think about the features you want and how they will make your life easier. A swivel seat is a useful feature that makes it easier to get out of your stair lift. You might also want a seat with plenty of padding to help you feel comfortable.

Do Your Research

There are a lot of unscrupulous companies out there so make sure you do your research to find a reputable company. To help you find safe and reliable stair lifts you can contact charities like Age UK for advice. Ageco is actually owned by Age UK and gives its profits to the charity. Given that Age UK is there to help support the elderly it seems the best place to start.

Price Match Guarantee

Look for a company that offers a price match guarantee. That way you know you have managed to secure the best price you can.

Check The Weight Limits

Always check the weight limits for the stair lift you want to buy. You do not want the expensive outlay just to find out you weigh too much to use it safely.

New or reconditioned

You do not necessarily have to buy a new stair lift you can see how much you would save opting to get a reconditioned one instead. Buying reconditioned can be a better option than getting a stair lift second hand as you have a company to fall back on if you have any issues.

Extra Support

The Ageco stair lifts have a one touch alert meaning you have extra support available when things go wrong. It is a two way communication system that gets you help when you need it. It is very reassuring to know that companies are adding elements like that as standard.

Getting A Stair Lift Conclusion

Getting a stair lift is a great way to future proof your home and help you maintain your independence. Hopefully these suggestions will help you choose the right stair lift for your home.