Why choose a perch stairlift?

When it comes to stairlifts, there is no one-size-fits-all, and they can be altered to suit your needs, staircase and home décor. This is why several different types of stairlifts are available to help people with limited mobility.

Before you purchase a stairlift, you should speak to an expert about which type best suits your needs. A type of stairlift that has become increasingly popular is a perch stairlift. In this guide, we take a look at the benefits of these types of stairlifts, their features, and more.

What is a perch stairlift?

A perch stairlift or standing stairlift, as they are also commonly known, enables the user to maintain a standing position adjusted to their height as they go up or down their stairs.

The perch seat takes most of the passenger's weight, and it reduces the strain on their legs, knees and hips. This type of stairlift is perfect for people with limited mobility who struggle to get up from a seated position and would prefer to stand or lean on something as they go up or down the stairs.

A perch stairlift can also come with a seat that can be put away, meaning that the staircase can still be used by others in the home.

What are the benefits of a perch stairlift?

The standing stairlift is perfect for people with limited mobility who have stiff joints or conditions like arthritis, where it can be difficult to get up from a seated position. These types of stairlifts mean that users don’t have to sit down, and they offer a comfortable ride as they make getting on and off easier and more convenient.

A perch stairlift is the perfect choice for homes with narrow staircases as their compact design means they do not take up as much space as most other traditional lifts.

A benefit that all stairlifts offer is confidence. People often worry about losing balance and falling, but the right stairlift removes this anxiety and gives users confidence and freedom. Once you have stepped onto the stairlift, lean on the perch, put the seatbelt on, and then relax as you slowly ascend or descend the stairs.

ALSO READ: What are the benefits of stairlifts?

What are the different types of perched stairlifts?

There are different types of perch stairlifts, and which one you get will depend on the type of staircase in your home. Below, we go through the different types so you can choose a perch stairlift that is perfect for your home.

• Perch Straight Stairlifts: This type of perch stairlift is perfect for homes that have straight stairs with no curves, landings, or bends. The compact design means they are ideal for narrow staircases.
• Perch Curved Stairlifts: If your home has curved staircases, the ideal solution for people with limited mobility is to purchase a perch curved stairlift. Curved perch seats are available on the Age Co 4000 Stairlift and are able to travel around bends and corners on a staircase.

ALSO READ: Types of stairlifts

What features can you get with a perch stairlift?

There are many different features and accessories that you can get with a perch stairlift:

• Specialist safety features like seat belts.
• Arms and footrests can be folded away. 
• They provide additional support, transporting the user in a perching position.
• Safety sensors that automatically cut off power if any obstruction is detected in its path.
• Some curved stairlift models come with an additional section of track that gives you more space at the top of your stairs.
• Long-lasting batteries that work during a power cut.
• Easy-to-use controls.

ALSO READ: What are the essential safety features of our stairlifts?

How is your perch stairlift powered?

A stairlift is run on a battery, which means that it will need to be plugged into a socket so it can charge automatically. The socket generally needs to be within a metre of the staircase, but if there isn’t one, we can help arrange for one to be installed.

Your stairlift should always be charged, so if there is a power cut, it will continue to work during this time. Unplugging your stairlift can damage the battery, so it is best to leave it turned on at all times.

What will a stairlift engineer assess doing a home survey

Once you decide to buy a perch stairlift, a fully qualified engineer from Handicare will conduct a home survey to assess what will be needed during the installation process.

Some of the things they will consider during a home survey are:

• Staircase type: One of the most important checks is the type of stairs you have in your home, as this will determine the type of stairlift you need.
• Is there a plug socket close to your stairs? As your stairlift is run on a battery, it will need to be plugged into a socket so it can charge automatically. One can be installed if there is not one within one metre of it.
• The ceiling above your staircase: Engineers will assess the head clearance above your staircase. When a passenger is using a standing stairlift, they need to ensure there is enough headroom.
• Stair width: An engineer will measure the width of your home's staircase and, from there, will work out the best type of stairlift that would suit you and your home.
• Consideration of obstructions: A stairlift engineer will also consider if there are any obstructions, such as furniture or radiators at the top or bottom of your stairs. If you have a handrail or a door at the top or the bottom of the stairs, adjustments can be made to ensure enough space for you to swivel the chair to get on and off.

ALSO READ: How much do stairlifts cost?

Purchase your perch stairlift today

As this guide highlights, you can buy a perch stairlift no matter what type of staircase you have in your home, and there are many benefits to this type of mobility aid.

If you want to buy a perch stairlift, you can contact one of our stairlift experts to find out more.

This article is brought to you by Handicare, in partnership with Age Co, offering a wide range of home mobility products, including stairlifts, homelifts, and bathing solutions. For more information on how they can help improve accessibility in your home, please get in touch today.