Ways to play it safe on the stairs
FAMILIES are very often involved in the decision to buy a stairlift for safety reasons — and many will now do research to find out what’s available by reading an impartial guide, to help everyone feel better informed. There are certain things to look out for that only a bit of research can highlight. Beware, for example, of buying a second-hand stairlift from an unreliable source, as it will be difficult to ensure it is fitted properly and unlikely that you will get guarantees and warranties. Stairlifts without a diagnostic function might lead to unnecessary home visits by an engineer. A seat that doesn’t swivel may also be an indication of an older or faulty unit. Make sure you ask sales staff about its history and age. Following a home meeting, good suppliers will usually aim to tailor a stairlift especially for your loved one’s home, making detailed plans and agreeing a price before constructing a rail and combining it with your chosen chair unit. First read a stairlift guide, so that you know what to look for and can buy with greater confidence.
ALTERNATIVELY, the latest affordable domestic lifts are enviable additions to the home. They will move two people between floors in moments, while also being incredibly useful for taking heavier items, such as a vacuum cleaner, laundry or holiday luggage, upstairs. A stylish home lift can be placed almost anywhere — in the hall, living room or even a built-in cupboard — and takes up a remarkably small space. It does not require a pit, or a wall to support it. In fact, minimal construction work is required and clean, efficient installation in a space-saving footprint takes less than two days to complete. The lift cannot travel if the door is not safely closed. And pressure-sensitive safety surfaces stop the lift if it is obstructed from above or below.