According to the NHS, as many as one in three adults over 65 suffer a fall each year.

Of that number, half are likely to suffer frequent falls. While anyone can experience a fall, the elderly and people with impaired mobility are more likely to have accidents, especially when going down the stairs. 

There are a few ways to mitigate this problem. You can, of course, live downstairs or move to a ground floor flat or bungalow. However, this may require significant changes in your lifestyle and living arrangements, not to mention expenses from moving or renting. A more affordable and practical solution is to install a stairlift, which is designed to improve the accessibility of your stairs. 

What Is a Stairlift and How Does it Work?

As the name suggests, a stairlift is a mobility solution that carries people — sometimes even wheelchair users — up and down the stairs. The “lift” is a battery-powered seat or platform mounted to a track or rail that traverses the length of the stairway, allowing the user to sit or stand and wait for the lift to bring them up or down.

Your average domestic stairlift is relatively easy to install, usually taking a few hours to set up. However, things can be slightly more complicated when it comes to curved and narrow staircases. Whatever the case, a stairlift’s rail is usually attached to the stairs and not the adjoining wall — so you don’t have to worry about damaging your decor or spending on an expensive renovation. 

Most stairlifts are also virtually soundless, making about as much noise as a kitchen microwave. 

How to Operate a Stairlift

Modern stairlifts are easy to use, comfortable and require very little maintenance. To use the lift:

• Press the switch or use the accompanying remote control to retrieve the lift from its station if it’s “parked” at the opposite end of the track. 
• Sit on the seat or stand on the platform. For added safety, you should wear the seat belt provided. 
• Push the button or pull the lever to move the lift up and down the track. 

Stairlifts also come with built-in safety features that automatically stop the seat or platform from moving if it detects obstructions, such as objects on the staircase, pets, or other people. Most stairlifts are powered by a rechargeable battery that charges at either station, ensuring that the lift can function during a power cut.

Types of Stairlifts

Today’s stairlifts come in a variety of styles and configurations, giving you plenty of options to choose from. Generally speaking, however, all stairlifts fall under two primary categories: straight stairlifts and curved stairlifts.

• Straight stairlifts — If your staircase only goes in one direction, you can order a stairlift with a prefabricated straight rail. They’re also the most affordable type of stairlift (due to using premade rails) and can be installed in an hour. 
• Curved stairlifts — If you have a staircase with flat or fan shaped half and quarter landings, you’ll need a curved stairlift with a curved rail made specifically for its contours. 

However, there are also different types of speciality stairlifts, each one with specific features built for certain use cases.

• Seated stairlifts — Seated stairlifts are the most common type of stairlift, consisting of a seat, armrests and footrest, allowing the user to sit comfortably and securely. The seat can charge and remain folded at both stations when not in use.
• Perch stairlifts — Also known as standing stairlifts, perch stairlifts are ideal for users who find it difficult to sit and get back up. These stairlifts come with an elevated seat that supports the user under the buttocks, allowing them to stay standing while moving up or down the stairs. Perch stairlifts may also come with a retractable seat belt for added security.
• Platform stairlifts — Platform stairlifts come with a large platform that can accommodate both wheelchair and mobility scooter users. However, these stairlifts will only work in homes and buildings with wide staircases. 
• Outdoor stairlifts — These stairlifts improve access to outdoor areas such as the steps leading to the front or back door and external staircases leading to first-floor access. Outdoor stairlifts look the same as internal stairlifts, however, internally they have specially coated electronics and waterproof switches, additionally they are outfitted with a waterproof cover to withstand the elements. 

Things to Consider Before Ordering a Stairlift

As with any other major home improvement investment, installing a home stairlift requires careful planning and discussions with professionals. Consider the following steps before making a purchase decision:

• Have you talked to an occupational therapist (OT) or Trusted Assessor? – Your local council provides a service for households planning a home adaptation, connecting you with an occupational therapist who can visit your home and identify your individual stairlift needs. Some companies have Trusted Assessors who are professionally trained individuals that can offer guidance on the correct product.
• Have you talked to people with stairlifts in their homes? – This will give you an unbiased perspective of the advantages and disadvantages of stairlifts.
• Have you compared quotes from stairlift providers? – Take the time to learn about the solutions they offer as well as their after-sales support.
• Have you checked your staircase? – Your type of staircase will determine whether you can install a prefabricated rail or need a custom solution. Talk to a provider to see if they have straight, modular, or curved rails that match your staircase.
• What are your specific needs? – Last but not least, think of the stairlift’s user. Whether you’re getting a stairlift for yourself or a loved one, be sure to take down the user’s specific needs. This will help you decide what specific features you need from your stairlift. For example, someone with arthritis in the knees may find it difficult to bend — in this case, a standing or perched stairlift may be the smarter investment. This is precisely why it’s important to talk to an occupational therapist or trusted assessor before ordering a stairlift.

What Can You Expect During a Home Assessment?

Your discussions with an Occupational Therapist, Trusted Assessor or domestic stairlift company will typically cover factors such as:

• Whether or not the user can comfortably bend their knees and operate the stairlift while in a seated position.
• Whether the user can manage mounting and alighting the stairlift.
• The width, length, and configuration of the staircase.
• Any potential obstructions, such as handrails, radiators or doorways, which may require a special feature such as a hinged stairlift track. 
• Whether the user has the hand dexterity to operate the stairlift’s remote control.
• Whether the user has the cognitive ability to operate the stairlift safely.

How Much Do Stairlifts Cost?

A domestic stairlift can be a major investment, but one that can dramatically improve your quality of life. According to a Which? Survey a stairlift for a straight staircase could cost from £2,000, a curved or long staircase, prices can go as high as £6,000 or more. In their survey, the average price paid for a straight stairlift was £2,845 and £4,217 for a curved one. A quarter (27%) of the respondents acquired their stairlift second-hand or reconditioned and, unsurprisingly, paid less – for example some smaller independent companies sell straight stairlifts from £ 1,250 for reconditioned and £ 1,750 for new plus any options needed.

These prices include tax relief, for those persons in the household that have a chronic condition or disability. 

When in doubt, talk to a professional specialising in domestic lift installations. At Only Lifts, we have over 30 years of industry experience to draw upon, helping households with their mobility needs. As a trusted trader endorsed by Which? we stand by the quality and transparency of our services. Assessments are conducted by a qualified Trusted Assessor. Get in touch with the Only Lifts team today.