Know your stairlift facts

THERE are few people who could claim, at the end of a long, hard day, to relish the climb upstairs to bed. Even the fittest legs get tired, and for the rest of us that last push up the stairs is often greeted with a groan or sigh. A stairlift can make all the difference, especially if you need to carry up laundry or use the bathroom. Why risk a wobble at the top? Worse still, why feel pressured into moving home for fear of using the stairs? A stairlift opens up your living space again and enables you to continue living as you have always done before, leaving you with the energy and confidence to continue with what really matters — enjoying your home and independence. If your family has talked with you about the possibility of a stairlift, then ask them to find out more by reading guides and researching the market. There are a few pitfalls to avoid, as you will discover by reading up. Beware, for example, of buying a secondhand stairlift from an unreliable source, because it could turn out to be an expensive dud which has to be removed. Stairlifts without a diagnostic function might lead to unnecessary home visits by an engineer. And should you opt to buy a reconditioned unit, you must ensure you have suitable warranties and guarantees before you sign on the line. A seat that doesn’t swivel might also indicate an older or faulty unit — make sure you ask the sales staff about its history and age. Find out the facts and you will be able to buy with confidence.