1 November 2023
Chair lifts, also known as stairlifts, are motorised mobility devices that help people navigate the stairs in their old age. They come in a range of different forms and are often used by those who have difficulty walking or other disabilities.
They are increasingly popular in the UK, and their popularity is expected to continue to grow as the population ages.
Chair lifts work using a motor to lift a chair up a track attached to the stair tread. The seat moves along the track, which allows it to be moved up and down the stairs.
The benefits of using a Chairlift include:
You can listen to an audio recording of the page below.
The installation of a stair lift may be beneficial to anybody who has trouble walking or is disabled. It may allow them to walk independently and regain more freedom.
A chairlift is a safe and easy method to improve mobility and stay safe in your home. With the support of stair lifts, people are no longer limited to the ground floor of their home. If you’re thinking about buying one, talk to a doctor or a representative from a service such as Age UK to be sure it’s the best option for you.
The average cost of a stairlift in the UK is around £2,000. However, this cost can vary depending on the type and size of the lift.
There are several factors that can determine the price of a stairlift, such as the make and model, the length of the track, and any additional features.
When choosing a chairlift, it’s important to consider your needs and budget. There is a large range of different types of lifts available, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.
Some factors to consider include:
Bear in mind that all lifts will have a maximum weight capacity that they are able to carry. A stairlift supplier may ask you for your weight when they do a home survey to see which lift would be suitable for your needs.
They may also need to measure your head height when seated to make sure there’s enough space for the lift to be installed on your staircase.
You might want to get a stairlift supplier into your home for a free evaluation where they will measure the height and width of your stairs and see whether you will benefit from a bespoke compact lift.
Lifts vary in price depending on the make and model; however, there are ways to get them cheaper. Second hand or refurbished lifts are a great way of obtaining a high-quality lift for a fraction of the price of brand new ones.
If you want a chairlift in your property, you should hire a professional. They will be able to install the lift promptly and safely, ensuring that it meets all safety standards. It’s also vital to keep the lift in good working order by having it serviced on a regular basis.
A skilled installer can complete a stairlift installation in a single day so you could have one in your home by the end of the week! A power socket near the steps may be required if the lift will need to be connected to the mains.
Stairlifts require regular service to ensure effective performance. If your lift has any issues, you should contact an experienced professional right away so that they can carry out any additional works.
You can prolong the lifespan of your chairlift and keep such works to a minimum by following a few simple maintenance tips:
Call now on 0333 567 1612 to get a quote or to discuss your stairlift requirements.
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A video about Acorn stairlifts and how they work
It’s also possible to hire a stairlift instead of buying one outright. This might be an excellent choice for those who only need the lift for a short time or who aren’t sure if they’ll use it frequently.
There are a few ways to purchase a stairlift. For example:
There are a few main types of chairlifts and stairlifts available:
Powered straight lifts – this type of stairlift is motorised and moves the user up a straight staircase in a straight line.
Powered curved lifts – this type of lift is motorised and moves the user up the stairs following the curvature of the stairs.
Standing lift (perch lift) – this lift is designed for users who prefer to stand, either due to personal preference or due to flexibility and joint issues.
If you are unsure whether a chairlift installation is right for you, speak to your doctor or physical therapist. They will be able to help you make a decision based on your specific needs and medical condition.
When choosing a stairlift, the choice can be overwhelming. They do vary from model to model, but most stairlifts share a few features in common, such as:
Make sure to look out for these basic features when looking at different chairlift models.
If you are worried about the cost of a stairlift, then you are not alone. Charities such as Age UK offer an advice service and may be able to help you access some financing options.
Government subsidies may also be available in some cases. Speak to your local stairlift company prior to installation to find out more about the range of different payment options available to you.
The idea of a stairlift in your home can be intimidating due to their mechanical nature but rest assured that all stair lifts must be in line with government-imposed quality and safety standards. These rules ensure that the lift is both safe and secure for users and anyone else who may be in the area when it is operating.
Chairlifts must usually go through extensive testing before they can be sold to the general public in order to meet these safety standards. Dynamic strength testing, endurance testing, and electrical safety testing are just a few of the tests conducted.
They should only be utilised by individuals who can sit securely in a chair. When youngsters are present, they should be utilised with caution, and the safety bar should always be used.
On top of this, chairlifts will come with a number of safety features to keep you safe while riding. A retractable safety bar, footrest, automatic stop sensors and emergency stop button are just a few of the features which are available.
It’s vital to read the user’s guide before operating your stairlift for the first time since there are a few things you should know. It will assist you in becoming familiar with all of the features and how to use the lift safely.
Chair lifts for stairs are either powered by being plugged into the mains via a plug socket in your home, or they are powered by a rechargeable battery. The battery-powered lifts are perfect for those who don’t have a plug socket near their stairs as they will save you from any more complicated electrical installing.
The battery in a wheelchair lift is generally very good quality and will last for about 50 trips before it needs to be recharged. This means you may utilise the stairlift numerous times per day without having to worry about it running out of charge.
Battery-powered lifts also have the added advantage of continuing to function in a power cut. This can provide significant peace of mind to people who live in areas where a power cut is often likely.
Many people worry about the intrusive nature of stairlifts in their home, particularly if they live with other people or have particularly narrow staircases.
There are a few features that make chair lifts more amenable to small houses and other users of the stairs.
A couple of these are detailed below.
Chairlifts sometimes include a folding footplate. This is a feature that allows you to collapse the footplate when the lift isn’t in use. It’s ideal for people who don’t have much room in their staircase since it hides the chairlift while not in use. Many models will come with a folding seat as well.
Chairlift tracks can either be hinged or fixed. Hinged tracks allow you to fold the bottom part of the rail away when the lift is not in use. This is particularly helpful for homes with doors at the bottom of the stairs or households with a lot of people in them.
If you don’t have much room in your house or if you have particularly narrow stairs, you can consider getting a standing or perch stairlift as these also take up less space on the staircase.
These feature a shortened ‘perch’ seat as opposed to a regular seat.
Standing or perch chair lifts are a great option if you have limited space in your house. They are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible and can be installed in a matter of hours.
Due to the fact that the user travels in a standing position, the user’s knees and the seat protrude less far into the stairway, thus freeing up more space for other users of the staircase.
The main drawback of this type of lift is that it requires a certain level of flexibility and core strength. The user must be able to remain standing and support their own body weight for the duration of the journey.
A common misconception about stairlifts is that they will damage your wall. However, they are actually attached to your stair treads, not to the wall, so you don’t need to worry about damage to your furnishings.
The speed of a stairlift may differ based on the type you choose. Most chair lifts travel at very low speeds, but it’s essential to pick one that is suitable for you. You may always inquire about the range of different types accessible if you are concerned about the lift’s pace.
Most chair lifts will move at a pace of 0.15 metres per second which is steady enough to ensure that you are comfortable for the duration of the ride.
If you don’t think that a stairlift is the right mobility solution for you, then do not worry because there are alternatives.
You could consider installing wheel chairlifts or ramps to make your stairs wheelchair friendly.
You could also look at a stair lift elevator which can give you wheelchair access to all levels of your home.
A stairlift is a great way to help people navigate their staircases and remain independent in their own home at any age. They are a brilliant way of helping people stay in their home instead of having to move into somewhere more accessible. Whether you’re looking for something that will be unobtrusive or have specific needs, there is likely an option out there for you.
Standing and perch lifts can be a great solution for those with limited space or those who would prefer to travel in a standing position to take the pressure of their knee and hip joints.
Contact a stair lift manufacturer today to get some further advice and arrange an installation date. They will be happy to offer an advice service without any hard sell sales tactics to pressure you into buying.
Many companies will also offer a full refund if you are not happy with what you receive and will consider the issues raised carefully to help find you an alternative solution. Age UK is also a great place to get more information if you are still unsure what is the right option for you.
You can contact a stair lift specialist in one of 3 ways:
Monday to Thursday – 8am – 7pm
Friday – 8am – 5:30pm
Saturday & Sunday – 9am – 5pm
Leave your contact details below and one of the team will give you a call to discuss your needs.
Please note that all calls are undertaken by Acorn Stairlifts.
Jane is one of our primary content writers and specialises in elder care. She has a degree in English language and literature from Manchester University and has been writing and reviewing products for a number of years.
Chair lifts work using a motor to lift a chair up a track attached to the stair tread. The seat moves along the track, which allows it to be moved up and down the stairs.
You might want to get a stairlift supplier into your home for a free evaluation where they will measure the height and width of your stairs and see whether you will benefit from a bespoke compact lift.
It’s also possible to hire a stairlift instead of buying one outright. This might be an excellent choice for those who only need the lift for a short time or who aren’t sure if they’ll use it frequently.
A common misconception about stairlifts is that they will damage your wall. However, they are actually attached to your stair treads, not to the wall, so you don’t need to worry about damage to your furnishings.
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