Stairlifts: 6 Frequently Asked Questions Answered

In this article, we answer 6 of your most frequent questions about Stairlifts.

Buying a stairlift and having it installed in your own home is a major undertaking for most people, and can be quite daunting. We want to make your experience as hassle-free as possible, which is why we’re answering these questions for you.

What is a stairlift?

By definition, a stairlift is a mechanical device that lifts a person up or down the stairs. They are also sometimes referred to as ‘Chairlifts’.

They are used mostly by people with some form of disability which makes the normal climbing of the stairs difficult. (this difficulty could be a physical impairment caused by say arthritis or it could be limitations caused by heart/lung issues, for example)

What can a stairlift achieve?

The main benefit of installing a stairlift is to enable the homeowner/tenant to ascend and descend the stairs using minimum effort safely.

In most cases the only other options that people have are to a) continue the struggle up and down the stairs (this may be both painful and/or hazardous), b) make a room downstairs into a bedroom (which is not always practical and in most cases is resisted) or c) move from the property to a bungalow/sheltered housing etc. (this in itself involves a lot of stress for the person involved and generally speaking bungalows are more expensive to buy than houses) Additionally, moving to a smaller property often involves people having to part with household gear that they would rather keep.

The fact is that most people ‘put off’ having a stairlift fitted. This may be for financial reasons or ‘fear of the unknown’ but for the sake of a day’s work and a relatively low sum of money a stairlift can be fitted in most situations and this enables the user to continue to live in the property and the neighbourhood they know and like, for several years to come.

In some ways, the key benefit of installing a stairlift is the assurance gained for both the user and his/her relatives etc that the staircase can be accommodated safely in the person’s daily routine without the constant anxiety of a fall on the stairs which often mean such a set back for older persons.

Can a stairlift be fitted on any staircase?

The short answer to this is most!

An actual stairlift can be fitted to almost any staircase but it is always the protrusion of the client’s knees when in the seated position that makes for a challenge. (some companies sell a Stand/Perch lift where the user remains either standing or half-seated – it is generally accepted that there is a risk factor connected with this type of product and we do not use this type of lift at Felgains.)

There are two basic types one stairlift in general production; One is designed to fit on a straight flight staircase and the other on stairs that incorporate one or more bends. The one designed for straight flights would never be used on a curved flight but the curved flight model that we do here at Felgains (The Flow X) may sometimes be used on straight flight staircases. This could be when the users ‘back-to-knee measurement is too great to be housed on the staircase or when it is considered safer for the client to enter/exit the stairlift seat on the first floor landing away from the staircase altogether.

We here at Felgains offer both a straight flight lift (the Homeglide) and a curved flight one (the Flow X). Both of these lifts conform to the latest Stairlift Safety Standards EN 81-40:2020. In addition to this both of these stairlifts were recently rated at 8% higher than all of its competitors by the ‘Which’ magazine, A home survey is always carried out by Felgains.  This is entirely free of charge and carries no pressure selling tactics. We can (and do) visit dozens of clients ourselves and we are always happy to visit with a professional too. At the time of survey, we can determine which is the best type of stairlift to recommend and from there, we are able to speedily prepare a quotation.

Are there ever situations where a stairlift would not be recommended?

The short answer here is Yes but in very few cases.

There could be times when a client is simply not able to sit in a position that can be accommodated on the staircase. This might be caused by an inflexible joint or extreme pain.

Also, if the client has any cognitive issues or the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease etc. it might be deemed best not to fit a stairlift. Most stairlifts are supplied with remote hand controls that can be operated by others as well as the control on the lift itself. In some circumstances where there is suitable care available it might be considered acceptable to use a stairlift with a carer controlling it.

Are there any alternatives to fitting a stairlift?

The answer again is Yes.

In some situations, a thru-floor lift might be considered a better solution, although these are a more expensive item and generally more bulky. There are thru-floor lifts that accommodate just one person standing up and others that provide full wheelchair access. For clients who are always using a wheelchair, a thru-floor lift might be considered a better choice.

Do stairlifts need servicing?

Like any equipment, a stairlift should be serviced annually to ensure it remains in good health and therefore will be both more reliable and last longer.  A key part of any service regime will involve lubricating of moving parts which will reduce wear on these components.

A stairlift will typically need an annual service.  The person best qualified to service your stairlift should be the company that installed it for you as they will, or at least should, know your model best and should carry the spare parts that may be needed.

If Felgains has installed your stairlift, we will support you and your stairlift throughout its working life with servicing and any other maintenance.  This may be via a service contract – or can be arranged by you as and when you wish for this to be done.

Related articles

How much does a stairlift cost in the UK? (Straight & Curved stairlift prices)

How quickly can you get a stairlift fitted in 2024? | UK stairlift delivery & installation times

How much does a riser recliner chair cost?

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