What to consider before buying stair lifts
Buying stair lifts for a home can be a daunting task and here we take you through what you need to consider before buying one for your home or a relative.
As people age, what used to be simple tasks such as walking up stairs become a torturous task, especially for those who suffer from aching joints and other pain.
The fact that falling down stairs is still a common cause of injury in the older generation should be a big enough reason why purchasing stair lifts for the home is a must.
Another reason why a stair lift is great for the elderly is the fact that it allows them to stay in their home instead of having to move house or go into a care home.
Do you need a straight or curved stair lift?
If you have curved staircases, then you will need to buy a curved stair lift which can go smoothly around corners. Curved stair lifts are generally more expensive than their straight stair lift counterparts, but that is because detailed measurements are needed for the curved models.
How mobile is the person who is going to be using the stair lift?
The stair lift user will need to be able to get on and off the stair lift – if they are unable to then it is pointless getting one.
How narrow is your staircase?
If your home’s staircase is narrow, then you will need special stair lifts for narrow stairs. If you or the person riding on the stair lift is tall, there is the potential that the rider may knock their knees, in which case standing stair lifts are available too.
Are there objects on the staircase?
If there are doors, radiators or any other type of potential obstruction, then your stair lift will need a hinged track. This means that the track can be folded away from doorways to give other people clear access.
Is there a battery power source for your stair lift?
The last thing a user of a stair lift wants is for their home’s electricity to go out and for them to be stuck halfway up the stairs. To prevent this, you will need to ask the stair lift manufacturer whether there is an extra battery power source to prevent something like this from happening.
How dexterous are your hands?
If the stair lift user has problems with their hands and may not be able to work a normal stair lift remote control, then stair lifts which have joysticks and toggles may be a better option.
How should you take care of your stair lift?
Stair lifts need to be maintained and this advice should be given to you by the manufacturer from whom you are purchasing the stair lift. Before you buy a stair lift model, you need to ask about whether the stair lift comes with an insurance policy and what the cost of this would be as sometimes these policies are very pricy.
Have you thought about reconditioned stair lifts?
Stair lifts are expensive and if you or a relative is in desperate need of one, but are unable to foot the costs, then a reconditioned stair lift could be your best option.
Both straight and curved reconditioned stair lifts are available and most of these stair lifts have been refurbished in the retailer’s factory, which should ensure that they have been properly fixed and looked at.
Most renovated stair lifts should come with warranties that will cover any problems within the first year or so.
Do you need an outdoor stair lift?
If you or a relative is a keen gardener, but recently it has become more and more difficult for you or them to get up and down steps in the garden, then an outdoor stair lift is your answer.
Essentially, these types of stair lift are the same as indoor stair lifts, except that they are weather resistant.
