When it becomes difficult to use the stairs in the home, the first thing that people tend to do is avoid using them altogether. This is why many people with ill health, a disability or just old age are forced to sell their homes for something that is more practical. Others may start thinking about grand refurbishing ideas that involve putting a bedroom and bathroom downstairs so that the upstairs isn’t needed.
However, it’s possible that there is a solution that doesn’t require moving home or tearing apart your house. This is in the form of a stairlift.
Here at ALS Stairlifts, we specialise in providing a range of stairlifts; from heavy duty stairlifts to reconditioned curved stairlifts. It’s because of this that we are pretty confident about their advantages. We will outline some the main benefits below.
What is a Stairlift?
A stairlift is a type of home mobility equipment that will carry an individual upstairs and downstairs. In general they have a chair that is attached to a track that takes it up and down.
This allows people who have walking difficulties to easily access the upstairs whenever they wish.
Advantages
The Choice is All Yours
Depending on what you choose, they can be extremely reasonably priced. With so many options, you can choose one that doesn’t exceed your budget. The price of any stairlift will be a lot cheaper than having to install a bathroom downstairs or changing one of your rooms into a bedroom.
The fact that there are so many to choose from means that they can come in a number of different designs. This means that you can choose a stairlift that will compliment your decor and not stick out too much.
If you have a small or narrow staircase, there is also the option of having one that folds away when not in use.
Can Easily be Installed
Despite what people may think, a stairlift can be installed into the home quite easily. Once you have chosen the type that you want, a fully qualified stairlift installation engineer should visit your house to do it all for you. This is a lot easier and safer than attempting to do it yourself.
It’s important to note that curved stairlifts take longer to be installed than those that are on a straight track, due to them having extra parts.
Full Access to Your Home
We can imagine that there is nothing more frustrating than not being able to access rooms in their own home. This is why a stairlift is a brilliant alternative to being forced to live downstairs. It allows access to the upstairs which isn’t possible by the stairs anymore.
Comfortable and Slow
Sitting on the chair should be comfy, with comfortable padding to make you feel like you are just sat on a regular armchair. Stairlifts should also include a footrest – as dangling feet can be a hazard.
The speed should be slow and steady, ensuring that the ride is smooth, secure and safe. It shouldn’t jolt you when you start or stop, as this can often be scary and uncomfortable.
Many people worry that a stairlift will be too expensive or will make their house look untidy – but this simply isn’t the case anymore. Earlier in this blog we debunked some of the misconceptions about stairlifts, reinforcing that they are worth having.
So if you are thinking of investing in a stairlift for your home, we can help you out. We have a range of stairlifts to suit people’s different needs.
For more information about any of the services that we provide, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can give us a ring on 0800 046 3438 and a member of our staff will be happy to help.