While stairlifts are for anyone with mobility issues, it’s stairlifts for the elderly which is our most common request. It is the elderly who are most in need of a stairlift. Other customers of ours include those with medical issues or recovering from an injury. We also cater for people with disabilities (of all ages) who need help with their mobility.
However, stairlifts are designed with the elderly in mind, since they’re the biggest users of stairlifts. They’re easy to operate and most stairlifts have a simple push button mechanism which allows them to travel. Modern stairlifts are also loaded with safety features. So if there’s an obstacle, or a problem on the stairs, the stairlift will stop automatically.
Stairlifts For The Elderly – Safety
Modern stairlifts are designed for the elderly, with safety features a-plenty to keep you safe on the stairs. Most have automatic cut out systems loaded into the chair base. When a sensor detects an obstacle, the chair stops automatically. This could be something stuck under the char, such as some clothing, or even a pet!
The button for powering the motor on a chairlift is also designed with safety in mind. You will need to hold down the button in the direction of travel. This lets the stairlift chair know when you want to move. Should you let go of the button at any point, the chair stops automatically.
Some new chairlifts, such as the Flow X stairlift from Thyssen, even have alert buttons you can connect to your phone! This is so you can alert a neighbour or family member in case of emergency while on the lift!
Stairlifts For The Elderly – Peace Of Mind
So, if you’re looking for a stairlift for a elderly relative, don’t worry! You can have complete peace of mind with a modern stairlift. Modern stairlifts are fitted with seat belts too, just in case. Their safety features extend beyond the basic obstacle sensors. They will even slow down around corners and at the end of the rail. This helps avoid any potential tripping hazards you might face at the top or base of the stairs.
As they approach the end of the staircase, modern stairlifts will pivot to allow you to step on/off. This also ensures that you’re facing away from the staircase when alighting. This is particularly important for the top of the stairs which presents a potential danger should you stumble.
Stairlifts won’t stop mid-travel either. Older stairlifts had the problem of loss of power with a power cut. However, modern stairlifts don’t have this problem. That’s because they use a battery instead of the mains charge. The mains is still connected to the stairlift, but is used to charge the batteries rather than power the stairlift directly.
This also allows the stairlift to be relatively cheap to use. It has a very low power usage compared to other household appliances. See also how much does it cost to run a stairlift.
Awkward Staircases
Stairlift customers often believe that an awkward staircase might present a problem for a stairlift. While that might have been the case several years ago, modern advances in stairlift technology have made them more accessible. The advanced stairlifts of today can navigate a staircase as narrow as 61cm wide, and sit almost flat to the wall, protruding only 38 cm!
The Thyssen Flow X
The Thyssen Flow X, for example, is one of the smallest, most compact stairlifts you can imagine. It’s patented technology allows it to lift, pilot and turn simultaneously and creates a super smooth ride on even the tightest bends. While a traditional stairlift is outward facing, the Flow X can face downwards allowing more legroom and greater manoeuvrability.
Stairlifts For Elderly Prices
The cost of a stairlift will depend on whether you need a straight stairlift or a curved stairlift and whether you buy a new stairlift or a reconditioned one.
Here’s a quick break down of our basic prices. See also stairlift cost.
- Reconditioned curved stairlifts from £2950
- Reconditioned straight stairlifts from £990
- New Straight stairlifts from £1350
- New curved stairlifts from £3990
- Heavy duty (bariatric) stairlifts from £2950
These are the basic prices for a basic level stairlift in each category. As you add more features and if you have a more complicated staircase configuration this will add to the cost. Our cheapest stairlifts are reconditioned stairlifts for straight staircases.
Summary
The main customer for a stairlift is the elderly. It’s the elderly who have the greatest need for mobility assistance in their home. While certain people with disabilities also require the help of a stairlift, and some with medical conditions, it’s the over 65’s who are the most likely to purchase a stairlift.
Stairlifts are designed with this in mind and they offer a super safe and comfortable experience which is easy to use. If you’re interested in a stairlift, contact our team who will be happy to help you in any way. You can get a no obligation quote often in the same day, although some staircase configurations will require an assessment before we can give you a quote.
Contact us on 0800 046 3438 or visit our contact page and leave a message.