Before you buy a stairlift
As with all major home improvement purchases, there are options to think and talk about with friends, family and professionals before you buy a stairlift:
- It may be useful to contact an Occupational Therapist (OT), who will be able to offer you guidance on the best solution for your individual requirements.
- If you know someone who owns a stairlift, have a chat with them. That way you can get an honest and unbiased opinion about the advantages of having a stairlift, as well as some suggestions about what questions to ask the stairlift company.
- There are a number of companies with good reputations across the county, get in touch with them to compare products, prices and services they offer to help you access your options.
- Reliability and safety are the main factors to consider. Don’t let sales people rush you into making a purchase, take your time.
- Requesting a free stairlift brochure and information pack is a great way to compare products that you may consider for your home.
- Consider contacting your Local Authority, they can give you information on Disabled Facility Grants and are obliged to give you this if your circumstances meet the criteria.
Seated stairlifts
These are the most popular model of stairlift, where the user can sit comfortably on a seat that swivels at the top of the stairs to make it easier to go from sitting to standing. It is recommended that if you are in need of a mobility aid that is bigger than a walking stick, then make sure you have one of each at the top and bottom of the stairs, as it is not possible to carry anything bigger on a seated stairlift.
Perch stairlifts
Perch stairlifts are better suited to those who find sitting difficult, or uncomfortable. These seats support the user underneath the buttocks, meaning that there is less of a need to move hip or knee joints. The stairlift also includes a retractable seatbelt to ensure that the users feels safe and secure.
Transfer Platform Straight Stairlifts
Transfer Platform Straight Stairlifts are ideal for homes that have straight staircases with half landings. However, this is only a suitable solution if you are mobile enough to make the transfer from one stairlift to another. If it is unlikely you will be able to do so in the future, then a curved stairlift may be more appropriate.
Customisation and Installation
Curved Stairlifts: These are custom-made to fit the specific curve of your stairs and require professional installation. “Straight stairlifts are easy, but curved stairlifts are a whole other level because they have to be custom manufactured to fit the stairs and professionally installed.”
Professional Installation: Most manufacturers require stairlifts to be installed by reputable dealers to ensure safety and proper functioning. “Most manufacturers require stair lifts to be installed by professional, reputable dealers to ensure a safe installation and allow for safe use of the lift.”
Cost and Taxation
Pricing: Straight stairlifts typically cost between£1000 and £5,000, while curved models can start from £2495
Brands and Quality
Recommended Brands: Handicare, Stannah & Brookmans are often praised for their quality, warranty coverage, and customer support. “We’ve chosen to work only with specific stair lift manufacturers Handicare Companion, because we’ve found them to be the highest quality and have a smoother ride, with strong warranty and technical support if any repairs are needed.”
Brands to Avoid: Acorn Stairlifts have received negative feedback regarding their service and warranty issues. “Can’t recommend Acorn if you decide to go with them.”
Expensive Brands Stannah Stairlifts: Perhaps the UK most expensive stairlift provider is Stannah. We offer the same high qualify stairlift, manufactured in the UK at a much more affordable price. Stannah lifts have very good marketing, which for many means they are pegged as the best. Talk to us before you decide.
Secondhand Options and Reconditioned Stairlifts: These can be cheaper but ensure the rail fits your staircase and comes with a good warranty. “Reconditioned stairlifts can work out cheaper, but only if the rail suits your staircase.” We don’t offer these services
Marketplace and Freecycle: Look for used stairlifts on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. “We found a used system online for my dad and got a good deal.”
Additional Considerations
Outlet Placement: because of the nature of these solutions there are limited mobility showrooms displaying bathroom or stairlifts in situ. In addition the cost to housing them, therefore our home assessments is the way nearly all providers have gone.
Service and Warranty: Prioritise companies that offer comprehensive service and warranty coverage. “It’s also important to ensure service coverage after installation so that you have someone to call should you run into an issue with the lift at any point.