Stairlift safety is something that we are asked quite a lot here at UK Stairlifts. Especially by those who are looking for a stairift to be installed in the home of a loved one.
We agree. You need to be completely sure that the stairlift they are purchasing is safe. Stairlifts are a great way to help people suffering from mobility problems retain their independence in their own home. Although they are safe to use, used incorrectly, it can sometimes result in an accident occurring.
To avoid this situation from occurring, here’s our guide to safely operating and using a stairlift.
Never Get Off Halfway
It may be tempting to tackle those last few steps “just to show that you still can”. However, it’s important to make sure that you make the complete journey from the bottom to the top without stopping at any point on the staircase.
This reduces the chances of you tripping and falling on the remaining steps and further damaging your mobility. But it will also create an obstruction for anyone else wanting to use the staircase. Stairlifts are best kept at the top or bottom of the stairs and they are designed to be the least obtrusive when they are situated there.
Be sure to complete your journey from start to finish in your stairlift. Your safety is much more important than trying to prove that you can still ascend or descend the stairs!
Keep Your Stairlift Charged
Many stairlifts have a battery installed to help power the unit as it moves. Although the stairlift will have a power supply attached to charge this battery up, it’s important to ensure that this battery is charged up at all times.
This can be done by following the advice we’ve just given regarding completing the journey on the stairlift. The charging points will more often than not be at the start and/or end of the track. So be sure that it’s positioned at the end of the track and charging (some may have charging lights) when you get off.
This is essential as even if the power goes off in your home, you will have enough power in your battery to safely move around your home if you need to. Gone are the days of having to fear that your stairlift will stop half way during a power cut, leaving you helpless on the stairs!
Regularly Maintain Your Stairlift
One of the best ways to be sure that you are safe while using a stairlift is to have it maintained regularly.
This will help to determine any repairs which must be carried out in order to ensure the safe function of the unit. It will give you – and your family – peace of mind. What’s more, all our stairlifts – no matter whether it’s brand new or reconditioned – are covered by our full PLATINUM GUARANTEE. This covers your stairlift for any maintenance call out!
Having a stairlift installed doesn’t have to feel daunting! Our trained, talented staff are available to answer any question you may have. Simply get in touch with us today and we’ll be delighted to help you with your enquiry