Always Keep Safety in Mind When Choosing Your Stairlift
Protecting their safety on the stairs is the number one reason people invest in a stairlift. So, it’s important to always keep safety in mind when choosing which stairlift to buy from the many on offer.
Protecting their safety on the stairs is the number one reason why millions of people invest in a home stairlift. So, it’s important to always keep safety in mind when choosing which stairlift to buy from the many on offer. Above all, you must choose a stairlift which fully meets your needs, so it will be safer and easier for you to use. Here are some points to consider:
Can you operate the controls? If you find small and fiddly controls difficult to handle, look for a stairlift with ‘chunky’ ergonomically designed controls that are easy to use. Remote controls are another useful feature, letting you send or summon the stairlift to where it’s needed. Some companies supply remote controls as standard with their stairlifts.
Is the stairlift suited to your abilities? Most stairlifts are designed for the passenger to travel in a seated position, but some people struggle to bend at the knees or sit comfortably. For them, a stairlift that lets the passenger stand or ‘perch’ on a specially designed seat (often called a perch stairlift) – half-way between sitting and standing – is a better option.
Can the stairlift carry you safely? Larger users might need a stairlift designed for a heavier load. Special features on these ‘heavy-duty stairlifts’ might include strengthened components, a seat designed to accommodate larger people, or more powerful batteries and motor. Check the ‘maximum user weight’ of any stairlift you’re considering and make sure you don’t exceed it.
Who is the stairlift for? Will it be used by just one person or more than one, with differing abilities? If it’s more than one, then the stairlift should meet the needs of each and every user. That could mean having controls suitable for either left or right-handed users, or perhaps a ‘sit-stand stairlift’. As its name suggests, this type can be used either in either a seated or standing position, with extra support from sturdy grab rails. Don't let a pushy salesman steer you towards any stairlift model that’s not ideally suited to you. If his company can’t meet your needs, look for a supplier who can. A ‘home survey’ by a stairlift supplier shouldn’t just be about measuring your staircase, but also about discussing what your individual needs and how the stairlift can meet them. The most important component of your stairlift is you!
Here are some essential built-in safety features of stairlifts to look out for:
Seatbelt: Your stairlift should have a safety seatbelt for added security, just like a car. You should be able to operate it easily.
Lockable swivel seat: A seat that swivels and locks securely into different positions makes it easier to get on and off the stairlift in safety and comfort. The lever (or levers) to operate this feature should be within easy reach and simple to use., and the stairlift shouldn’t move until the seat is locked into position.
Auto-stop sensors: Make sure your stairlift has built-in sensors to detect anything accidentally left on the stairs and blocking its path of travel. As soon as they detect something, the sensors will automatically stop the stairlift until the object is removed and the journey can resume safely.
Battery power: Your stairlift should run off a powerful rechargeable battery pack, not directly from the mains electricity supply. It’s only connected to the mains to recharge the batteries when not in use. This means the stairlift won’t stop if there’s a power cut if a trip switch flips out, and you’ll never be stranded part-way upstairs.
Compact design: The stairlift should be designed with safety in mind not just for the person using it, but for anyone else using the stairs in the normal way. It should be possible to fold up the seat, armrests, and footrest on the stairlift carriage when it’s not in use, so it’s not in the way for other people using the stairs. Some stairlifts can have a short-hinged section at the bottom of the stairlift rail where it meets the floor at the foot of the stairs. This is so it can be folded up out of the way and isn’t a trip hazard for anyone walking near the bottom of the stairs.
Lastly, choose a supplier whose installation process includes a thorough practical demonstration of the stairlift once it’s up and running in your home. If you’re reliant on the stairlift, you’ll also need a supplier who can respond quickly and efficiently if anything goes wrong with it. A reliable ‘aftercare package’ is as much a safety feature of your stairlift as the ones listed above.