Being Smart About Buying A Stairlift
If your Occupational Therapist (OT) has assessed your needs and recommended a stairlift, then you’ll need to get an idea of how much it will cost for your home. A feasibility study can be done by a stairlift company to provide you with a quote and is a good first step.
The best way to find quality stairlift companies near your home is to look for recommendations. Your OT, an expert from an equipment demonstration center, or a specialist at a local disabled living facility are all good options. Alternatively, it’s a good idea to visit the Disabled Living Foundation’s (DLF) Living Made Easy website, which offers information on a variety of stairlift models from national stairlift manufacturers and suppliers. Members are required to follow the codes of practice set forth by BHTA and the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) so you can rest easy knowing you’re purchasing from a reputable company.
Shopping around will help you avoid hard-sells and higher prices. You can also check out our independent customer survey to see which companies were voted the best and worst stairlift brands, and who was voted the best place to buy a stairlift.
How do I choose a stairlift?
Stairlifts come in many forms, so it will be important to get a thorough assessment of both your home and your physical limitations to be able to choose the best fit. These are some things to consider before you purchase:
- Unusual stairs: Is your stairway straight or curved? Several types of stairlifts are available just for stairs that curve.
- Degree of mobility: If you still have a fair degree of mobility, and you don’t experience pain when climbing the stairs, it may be best to wait before purchasing a stairlift.
- Weight: If you weigh more then 420 pounds, you might be limited in your choices. You’ll want to make sure that the stairlift you choose can support your weight safely.
- Your future health: A stairlift is a big investment, and it may not be the best fit for everyone. If your physical abilities are declining rapidly or there are changes in your future, it may be better to spend that money on a more permanent solution such as moving a bedroom downstairs.
- Your physical needs: Hand or wrist problems can make it challenging to keep the drive button pressed for the whole trip, so a joystick may be a better fit for you. Before you purchase, be sure that you can easily use any and all levers/buttons.
Getting a quote for a stairlift
It is important to test out a stairlift before you purchase. You can do this either at a Disabled Living Centre or at your home.
Financial assistance optionsfor Stairlifts
- Seeking social services or environmental department help
If you need to buy a stairlift due to a chronic illness or another form of disability and intend to live in your current home for the next five years, you may be eligible for a disabled-facilities grant or loan to help with the cost.
- Buying a second-hand stairlift
Many manufacturers and suppliers sell reconditioned stairlifts, which are often much cheaper than new ones. These are usually straight stairlifts that have been removed from one home and can be installed in a different home. Made-to-measure curved staircases are generally not available second-hand.
- Hiring a stairlift
If you are recovering from an accident or an operation and will only need assistance for a set period of time, it may be a better option for you to rent a stairlift.
Other considerations
A stairlift is a big change and often takes time to get used to. If you share your home with others, it is important to take them into consideration when making your decision. One way to do this is to utilizethe option for a chair that quickly folds and unfolds to help accommodate others in a narrow staircase.
