Guide To Buying Stairlifts

Do you need a stairlift?

The first thing to consider is whether having a stairlift could make life easier for you.

If getting up and down the stairs has become a daily struggle, then you may wish to consider living downstairs, or moving into a bungalow or ground floor flat. If you are thinking about changing to a ground floor living space, then one major concern to take into account is the availability of bathroom facilities: Handicare also provides a range of walk in baths and showers. However, installing a stairlift is often a more practical and cost-effective option, and it means less of a change to your lifestyle, allowing you to carry on living independently in your own home. 

If having a stairlift is the right option for you stairlift is the right option for you, it is important to choose the stairlift that will best suit your requirements.

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. Please note that timescales may vary between areas and this is a means-tested service.
• For more advice, please call 0800 251 1858.

Which is the best stairlift for you?

There are various types of stairlift and it is important that you choose the one which best suits your current and future needs.

Be assured that Handicare, who provide the Age Co range of stairlifts, are here to help you make that important decision; before the installation of your stairlift, you, your stairs and home will be assessed by an expert surveyor, who will make recommendations specifically for you.

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.

Should you buy a new or reconditioned stairlift?

Stairlifts are available both brand new and reconditioned. New stairlifts come straight from the manufacturer, will be easy to repair and can provide extra peace of mind.

A reconditioned stairlift will cost less; however the seat and motor will have been used previously and refurbished by Handicare

What to expect from a home visit

Once you’ve booked your home visit, a surveyor will come to your home to help you decide which stairlift is best for you. It will be useful to have answers ready to the following questions to inform your decision:

• Are you able to bend your knees and travel in a seated position?
• Will it be best for you to travel in a seated or standing position?
• If you prefer a standing stairlift, will there be enough headroom?
• How wide is your staircase?
• Do you have the dexterity in your hands to operate a standard stairlift remote control, or is an alternative method required, such as a joystick or toggle?
• Are there doors, thresholds, banister rails, radiators, or any other potential obstructions near the staircase? If this is the case, you may require a hinged track (a type of stairlift that has a folding bottom section of the rail, allowing for clear access to doors and walkways)

If you don't know the answers to these questions, the surveyor will be able to help you. You may wish to have somebody with you so that they can ask questions as well.

The surveyor will make a thorough assessment of your personal requirements and the dimensions of your staircase. They will also assess the ease with which you get on and off the stairlift.

A written quotation will be provided for the entire cost of the stairlift, including installation. You may be exempt from paying VAT, so ask the representative if you are eligible.

After-care services will also be explained to you, such as stairlift warranty and repairs.After that, you will be left to make your decision independently.

Stairlifts from Age Co 

Age Co Stairlift consultations are free and there is no obligation to buy - you can feel free to make the decision in your own time. To get started, simply call Handicare, request a brochure, or browse the full stairlift range online.

How your purchase assists Age UK

Age Co donates its profits to Age UK. For details please visit ageco.co.uk/about-us