Take your home to the next level

IF USING the stairs is becoming more daunting, perhaps because of arthritis or breathlessness, a stairlift will remove the worry that you won’t be able to get to the bathroom or bedroom.

Choose one with a swivel seat that enables you to dismount straight onto the landing, without twisting your body.

The seat, arms and footrest fold away when the stairlift is not in use, so you can still use the stairs as normal when you wish. Those with arthritis or a visual impairment will find that a model operated by a paddle switch on the chair arm is easiest to use.

A VIABLE alternative is a home lift. These are now small, quiet and fast and can carry up to three people, a wheelchair and even the family pet.

A stylish premium residential elevator (pictured left) or simpler home lift can be fitted almost anywhere in the home, plugging into a 13-amp power socket like any other household appliance.

Lifts are self-supporting as they run on dual rails which carry their weight, so no major structural changes are required.

Cleverly designed, they can be quite a talking point, too, enhancing your home and your life.