A stairlift reduces strain on the joints

THE stairs can be one of the biggest hurdles to overcome if you have joint problems caused by arthritis, so a stairlift could be a helpful option. Yet despite huge advances in design, only one in four people who could benefit from a stairlift actually has one. That means thousands of people in Britain are struggling with the stairs, when their lives could be made more comfortable. Going upstairs by means of a stairlift reduces strain on the joints and conserves energy to be able to carry out daily tasks without getting so tired. Stairlifts can be custom-built for most stairs. Straight rails are easier and cheaper to install. Stairs that have corners need a bespoke rail, which will cost more to manufacture. There are stairlifts that you can ‘perch’ on if you find it hard to bend your knees to use a standard one. And some stairlifts have saddle-style seats that spread the weight more comfortably and require less bending of the knees and hips. You will also find outdoor stairlifts made of weatherresistant material that will bring back the joy of being able to tend the flowers or feel the sunshine on your face while in the garden. A home lift is another option. Now very affordable, a lift can be fitted almost anywhere in the home without the need for a supporting wall, as it runs on rails. No planning permission is required, although the installation team will manage the obligatory checks with building control.