Stairlifts are a huge help for millions of homeowners in need of mobility assistance. Whether you are recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or struggling with balance going up and down your stairwell, a stairlift is usually the best solution to support your daily living.
Still, investing in this equipment is a big step that can be expensive and involve a lot more than just fitting a track to your stairwell. Consider the following guide if you’re thinking about purchasing a stairlift for your home.
Discuss your interest with family and experts
Before you begin looking for quotes or shopping around, discuss your desire for a stairlift with loved ones. It’s important they are kept in the loop and can provide suggestions and assistance where needed to help support your independence and mobility around your home.
If you have friends or a family member who uses a stairlift, ask them if you could try it for yourself. Be sure to ask plenty of questions about its functionality and what they consider to be the pros and cons of the model they use.
Above all else, always consult an expert before purchasing. Speak with your doctor or occupational therapist about purchasing a stairlift, and be sure to take into account any feedback, concerns, or recommendations they may have for you based on your individual circumstances.
Types of stairlifts
There are two types of stairlifts you can install in your home. These main types are either straight or curved stairlifts, depending on the shape of your staircase.
Straight stairlifts use a track that simply goes up and down a staircase without any turning involved. It’s used for most traditional staircases in homes for those looking to get from one floor to another. These stairlifts are pretty simple to install and don’t require much hassle when fitting.
A curved stairlift is more intricate and involved, as it’s made to fit the unique curves of your staircase, making it customisable and unique. They are more costly than straight stairlifts and are often found in larger homes with wide Victorian or vintage stairwells.
It is important to note that most stairlift installations require at least 29 inches or 750mm of width for a staircase to be installed and used safely. There are also plenty of features to take into account based on your specific needs. Consider the following:
- Hinge tracks for easy folding storage if your stairlift blocks a doorway
- Footrests for added security while moving up the stairs
- Different control options to fit your personal dexterity abilities
Be sure to mention your physical limitations and personal needs so your stairlift can be a safe and comfortable tool in your home.
Factors to consider before purchasing
If you have decided that a stairlift is the mobility option for you here are the key points to consider:
- Cost – Consider the costs and different variations of your stairlift and ensure it supports your personal limitations.
- If a brand-new stairlift is too expensive to invest in, consider buying a reconditioned option to help cut the costs. These stairlifts are just as high quality and can provide the assistance you need at a serious discount.
- Check positioning – See if your stairlift will interfere with doors, walkways, or other features in your home.
- Know the weight limit – Ensure you know the weight capacity and if you fit within the maximum weight limit of your stairlift option for total safety when using the lift.
Buy only from reputable suppliers
Purchasing a stairlift is an expensive and delicate process that should be treated with dignity and respect for the buyer. Steer clear of any supplier that is looking to sell stairlifts using hard selling tactics like a time-limited discount or a one-day-only sale.
Reputable sellers will be open and honest about quotes and give you plenty of information and testing options to make sure you find the right stairlift for you.
Shop stairlifts with Thistle Help today
Buy your stairlift with a trustworthy supplier like Thistle Help today. We offer Acorn Stairlifts to all of our customers, ensuring they have the safest and highest quality stairlifts available on the market.
As partners of Thistle Help, they proudly provide care and assistance before making the purchase by offering free, in-home surveys and a no-obligation quote. For those in need of immediate installation, Acorn offers next-day installation options as well.
To see for yourself how these stairlifts work before booking a home assessment, visit our Irvine showroom and test examples for yourself. Our friendly team will happily assist you with any questions you may have and help guide you through the process of booking your survey.
Contact us today!
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