Everything You Need To Know About Stairlifts

Creating a home that’s friendly towards family members with mobility challenges requires accommodations that allow for easy movement between levels. One such accommodation is stairlifts. Stairlifts are electrically powered devices that quickly move people up and down the stairs. They can include a chair or a platform and can be configured in various ways to suit your circumstances. Let’s take a closer look at these versatile mobility tools.

What is a stairlift?

A stairlift is a chair or platform attached to a track that is fitted to the stairs. An electric motor moves the chair along the track up and down the stairs. Lifts are simple to operate. Most have a joystick or toggle on the device, allowing the user to direct the lift up or down the stairs. Many also have a remote that will enable users to call the lift to their location at the top or bottom of the stairs.

Who benefits from a stairlift?

Anyone with a mobility challenge can benefit from installing a stairlift at home, including those with injury, illness, or age-related difficulties. Regardless of the mobility issues, the most significant benefit is universal: stairlifts make it easier for anyone to live at home. And the ability to live at home is genuinely beneficial to overall mental and emotional health. Other benefits include the following:

• A safe, comfortable way to move freely
• Independence
• No need to relocate to a new home
• Ease of use
• Affordable, especially when compared to alternatives such as moving or assisted living

Are there different types of stairlifts?

Stairlifts can be as simple or complex as necessary. The most basic lift is a single straight lift that moves along one flight of stairs from top to bottom. These are used on staircases with no curves and no landings. Curved stairlifts are the solution for staircases that involved turns and have tracks that are custom-fitted to the stairs.

Beyond the tracks’ design, stairlifts might feature perches for standing, chairs for sitting, or a platform that will carry a scooter or wheelchair. There are also lifts explicitly made for use outdoors.

Will stairlifts work on any staircase?

Stairlifts are incredibly versatile, and designers can find innovative ways to fit lifts to almost any staircase. That said, most lifts require a minimum width of 29 inches for either straight or curved lifts. Talk to the experts at Southern Mobility Solutions about your stairs. They’ll help you find a design that works for you.

Are stairlifts safe?

Absolutely. Stairlifts are equipped with many safety features, including the following:

• Sensors to detect obstructions
• Lockable on/off controls
• Smooth braking systems
• Safety restraints
• Footrests and adjustable seats
• Battery backup
• Extended rails

How do you choose the right lift?

The team at Southern Mobility Solutions is here to help you choose the best stairlift for your needs. The following are essential considerations in the selection process:

• Budget. There are a couple of pieces of good news here. First, many insurance policies will cover all or part of a lift system’s cost, so check with your provider. Second, basic straight lifts start at less than $5,000, which puts them well within reach. Talk to our representatives at Southern Mobility Solutions about curved and straight stairlift prices.
• Capacity. Different lifts are designed to handle different weights. Consider the user’s weight and mobility device (wheelchair or scooter) carefully, if relevant, when choosing a lift.
• Design. Straight or curved, indoors or out, seat or platform—talk to our team about how and where you’ll be using your lift.
• Options. Beyond the lift’s essential functions, you can utilize a variety of comfort and aesthetic options to customize your lift to your preferences.

Get Moving Today!

Contact Southern Mobility Solutions today to discuss a stairlift for your home. We’re here to answer all your product questions and handle curved and straight stairlift installation and maintenance. Call now!