Take charge of the new ‘ride’
FEELING the need for a stairlift, but wondering how to stop curious grandchildren taking joyrides on it? Visits from the family need not be filled with worry. Simply lock off the stairlift with a key or button when you hear the door bell and no matter how much they might want to climb aboard, your new ‘ride’ is out of bounds. Today’s stairlifts are engineered to fit the home for which they are designed, and a straightforward installation can usually be completed in a little over two hours. But there are a few pitfalls to avoid, as you will discover by reading a guide. For example, beware of buying second hand from an unreliable source, as stairlifts need to be fitted properly. Buy instead from an authorised seller, ensuring from the outset that you have suitable warranties and guarantees in place. Stairlifts without a diagnostic function might lead to unnecessary home visits by an engineer. And a seat that doesn’t swivel could indicate an older or faulty unit. A failsafe locking swivel seat is better as it allows the user to board easily and safely, especially at the top of the stairs. Some have a powered swivel, operated from the toggles on the armrest. Do your research by reading a good stairlift guide, and you will be able to find a way forward with confidence.
ALTERNATIVELY, a lockable home lift can open up property options, giving more choice to those who might have felt restricted to ground-floor living. Installation takes just two days and is far simpler than you’d think. Modern home lifts run on rails, so don’t put weight on the walls. They come in various sizes, but most are compact and only require an aperture in the ceiling that’s the same dimensions as the cabin. A lift takes very little power to run, plugging into a standard socket. It can be fitted close to windows and radiators, so placed almost anywhere you like. Installers will make sure you are fully proficient in operating your new lift before handing it over. The after-care service provides a fast, friendly response by factory trained engineers, often next-day. It’s a workable solution that can make moving around the house so much easier, leaving you with energy to enjoy your family’s visits.