A Guide to Stairlifts

When you reach the age where mobility becomes an issue or are suffering from an injury or disability, then there is every chance that a stairlift can be the answer to your troubles. Did you know that there is an accident on stairs in the UK every 90 seconds, on average? Seniors can greatly reduce the chances of experiencing a fall by getting a lift installed.

What Is a Stairlift?

Put simply, a stairlift is a mechanical device that transports you from one floor of a home to another, without having to tackle the stairs. They tend to be installed on the staircase itself.

There are a few different types of stairlifts. “Straight” and “curved” are two of the main varieties you will hear of. Obviously, they are designed to suit either straight staircases or more bespoke, curved options for staircases with a rounded design.

You can also choose between “seated” and “standing” stairlifts. Though standing options tend to only really be suitable for narrow stairs, they lift you up while you are standing or perching on them. On the other hand, seated options lift you up or transport you down while you are sitting in place.

There are also varieties called “through-floor” lifts. This option transfers the user up and down through a hole in the ceiling, a little bit like a lift would in a commercial building. You’re travelling straight up and down rather than up the incline of a staircase.

How to Save Money on a Stairlift?

Stairlifts aren’t cheap, which poses a dilemma if you need one to get around. Fortunately, there are some ways to save money on stairlifts.

Consider a Reconditioned Stairlift

Big brands like Stannah offer reconditioned models. Stairlifts that have been used before and installed in different homes can be reconditioned and installed onto your stairs at a lower cost than a brand-new model.

Although you don’t get all the benefits of a warranty and brand-new parts, you do get significant savings.

Speak with Your Council

You may qualify for a stairlift through the council. Contact the authority to which you currently pay council tax and ask them if they can provide an assessment. This usually involves sending somebody around to see if you qualify under their criteria for a council stairlift. A Which survey showed that around 10 percent of people get a stairlift this way.

It is also likely that you will have to wait a while to get your stairlift, which is not ideal for those with mobility issues.

Consider Grants

If you still need financial help getting your stairlift, then it is a good idea to explore grants that might be available. One option worth considering are the grants provided by the ACT Foundation. They provide grants of up to £2,500 to help with the cost of a stairlift for those who are in poverty or struggling with a mental or physical disability.