Now that you know a little about the available features, you can start looking at the different models. The internet is a great place to start. You’ll find detailed information about model features on most manufacturers’ websites.
Which model of Stair Lift should you choose? To give a quick overview – stairlift models are generally divided into two broad categories, straight and curved. Straight models are made for stairs without turns or half steps. They are usually much easier to install and cost less than the curved variants.
If your staircase has turns, corners or half steps, you will need a curved staircase. Your stair rails will need to be custom made to ensure a good fit on your stairs. This level of customization means that curved models are more expensive on the market.
Independence & Choice
The obvious advantage of stair lifts is that the passenger can go up and down the stairs. Beyond this purely physical benefit is their ability to offer their users freedom and choice, the freedom to move into their existing home and make a move unnecessary, as well as the choice to remain in their home or a home of their choice.
People with reduced mobility are often forced to move from their existing home because stairs are too difficult to climb or because their choice of new home is strictly limited to single-storey buildings. A well-tailored stairlift solution can give back that choice. You no longer face a move away from familiarity, friends and family or a reduced list of housing options.
Stair lifts also offer a benefit to the user’s relatives – peace of mind. They are excellent health and safety devices, safely transporting a passenger up and down stairs without incident.
Many lift users can move around their home with relative ease but, worryingly for relatives, find stairs a little more difficult. In larger homes the stairs may be narrower and steeper, creating additional challenges for people with mobility problems and again additional concerns for worried relatives. A well installed and maintained lift can provide the reassurance that the relative can climb the stairs safely, every time.
Features
But how do stair lifts work and what features can you expect to find in such a lift? Features obviously vary depending on models and manufacturers, but here’s a basic list of some of the most useful ones you can look for.
Firstly, a stair or chairlift is very versatile and can be mounted on any staircase, whether it’s straight, curved, spiral, or even outdoors. A stair lift, in the most basic terms, is simply a chair that moves on a track, following the exact line of the staircase.
