Why Safety is the Most Important Part of a Stairlift

Some stairlift features are desirable, but others are essential and should always take priority. It’s crucial to choose a stairlift that meets your individual needs so that you can use it safely.

The number one reason why people invest in a home stairlift is personal safety, enabling them to travel between the story in their home free from the risk of falling. But it’s just as important to consider your safety when choosing which stairlift to buy from the many brands and models available. Some stairlift features are desirable, but others are essential and should always take priority. It’s crucial to choose a stairlift that meets your individual needs so that you can use it safely. Here are some questions to ask:  

Will the stairlift support me? Larger users might need a stairlift designed to carry a heavier load. These ‘heavy-duty stairlifts’ have special features that could include more powerful batteries and motor, strengthened components, and a seat designed to accommodate larger people. Check the ‘maximum user weight’ of any stairlift you’re considering and do not exceed it. Straight stairlifts often have higher limits than curved ones, as straight stairlift rails are generally stronger.  

Will the stairlift carriage be suited to my abilities? Most stairlifts are designed for the passenger to ride in a fully seated position, but some people find it difficult to bend at the knees. For them, a stairlift that allows the passenger to stand or to ‘perch’ on a specially designed seat (often called a perch stairlift) is a better and safer option.  

Will I be able to operate the controls? If you have a condition such as arthritis, you might find it tricky to operate small and fiddly controls. Look for an ergonomically designed stairlift with intuitive controls that are easy to operate. Remote controls are also helpful, letting you send or summon the stairlift to where it’s needed. Some suppliers include remote controls as standard.  

What about other users? Will you be the sole user of your stairlift, or will others with different needs use it too? If it’s the latter, then the stairlift should meet the needs of every user. It might need controls for both left or right-handed users, or you might need a more versatile ‘sit-stand stairlift’ which, as its name suggests, can be used either seated or standing. Whatever stairlift you choose, you must be confident it will fully meet your needs, so you can use it safely. Don’t let a salesman steer you towards any brand or model not ideally suited to you. If his company can’t meet your needs, look for a supplier who can.   

As part of the buying process, you’ll probably have a ‘home survey’, during which your staircase is measured to determine what type of stairlift is needed. However, this part of the process should also be concerned with determining your personal needs and abilities. Remember, the most important component of your stairlift package is you! Aside from your needs and abilities, there are some essential built-in safety features to look for:  

Battery power: Your stairlift should be powered by a rechargeable battery pack located in the carriage. Although the stairlift will be plugged into a power outlet, it’s only to recharge the batteries whenever the stairlift is ‘parked’. Battery power means the stairlift will continue to operate if there’s a power outage and you’ll never be stranded part-way up or down the stairs.  

Seat belt: Your stairlift should be fitted with a seat belt for extra security, just like a car, and it should be easy for you to operate.  

Lockable swivel seat: A seat that swivels and locks securely into different positions makes it easier to step safely on and off the stairlift. The levers to operate it should be easy to reach and use.  

Auto-stop sensors: Make sure your stairlift has built-in sensors to detect any object inadvertently left on the stairs, such as a child’s toy or dropped laundry. As soon as the sensors detect any object blocking the path of travel, they will automatically stop the stairlift until the object is removed and the journey can resume safely.  

Compact slimline design: The stairlift should be designed for the safety of the user, but also for the safety of other people using the stairs in the usual way. They shouldn’t have to squeeze around the stairlift – putting themselves at risk – even on a narrow staircase. It should be possible to fold up the seat, armrests, and footrest on the stairlift carriage when not in use, so it occupies as little space as possible. Some straight stairlifts can have a short-hinged section at the bottom of the stairlift rail. This hinged section can then be folded up out of the way if it would otherwise cause a trip hazard in the passageway at the foot of the stairs.  

Finally, look for a supplier whose installation process includes a practical presentation on how to use the stairlift. This allows the stairlift to be safely fitted in your home. If you’re reliant on the stairlift, you also need a supplier who is always on call and can respond speedily if you need an emergency repair. A reliable ‘aftercare service’ is another important safety feature of your stairlift.