The most obvious reason for buying a stair lift is for people who have lost some mobility or find stairs a challenge. It is very common for people to find that going up and down the stairs becomes harder as they grow older.
There are many reasons why someone would need a stair lift.
People with muscular diseases, age difficulties, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, disabled, back problems, being wheel chair bound, and many more too numerous to mention here will benefit from having a Stair Lift in their home.
It helps to give the user confidence because it increases their independence. Also, knowing that once more they can move around their home without the need for outside help makes disabled people much happier because they keep their independence longer.
Stair lifts also take the pressure off ankles and knee joints and save time, as the user does not have to hobble carefully, or slowly, up and down the stairs. Stair lifts can also prevent falls and accidents which if course preserves the health of elderly people for a much longer time.
While some people are apprehensive about buying a stair lift, all it takes is a bit of research and a few measurements. You can even save on the product by looking into purchasing a second hand model. Stair lifts are designed to be installed into most homes, so if you think your stair case is too narrow or they will unable to fit one or outside your home, it is best to check anyway as you will be amazed by some of the options which are available. Some stair lifts are designed for unusual spaces and many can be specially built to adapt to the customer’s needs.
See a Stair Lift in action
There are designs for wheel chair users which allow the person to drive onto a platform and be taken to the upper levels of the home safely and with no risk of injury.
So, you have decided to buy a stair lift, now, the next step is…How much money shall I spend?
In relation to selling and buying a new house, the cost of a stair lift may seem very slight but still some people struggle to find the money to pay for a brand new model and have it installed.
Of course, you could always take the measurements yourself, even install one yourself, but this is really beyond both the means and scope of a person who is purchasing one.
All companies will be delighted to come over to your home to assess your stairs and advise you of the best options available. They will also give you their best pricing options and whether more than one model is suitable.
You can research Stair lifts online to get an idea of what you want. There are also second hand versions available; please see How good is a Used Stair Lift?
As the ever growing need for Stair lifts is recognized some companies are renting stair lifts to people. However, this is a short term solution, normally sought when a family has an elderly or disabled relative coming for a short term visit.
Companies also know how difficult it can be to meet the costs of a new Stair lift, so rental and second hand options are considered good choices if you do not have the funds available for a new model.
Be warned. If renting, make sure you test the model first before agreeing to have it installed in your home. Also, in order to feel comfortable using the lift, check it has all the safety features required.
A stair lift is a great choice for people who cannot move well and find climbing or descending the stairs an issue. There maybe two or more people in the house that would benefit from using the lift, in which case the they should discuss which model they prefer and how it will meet each of their individual needs.