Don’t be held back by stairlift myths
A FEW misconceptions about stairlifts can hold people back from getting one installed to make their daily life easier. It is not uncommon to assume they carry a hefty price tag, for example. Yet the reality is that, in many cases, costs have fallen over the past five to ten years — and the stairlifts you could get then are not nearly as sophisticated as the ones available now. Powered swivel seats and power hinge rails are among many newer options. And they are certainly not expensive to operate, due to their power-saving technology. Most cost just 10p to 20p a day to run when making seven return journeys. People also worry that their stairs will not be wide enough. More important than the width is whether your knees or feet clash with the other side of the staircase when you are seated. A stairlift provider will ensure you can travel safely. Another important factor to note is that a stairlift will fold when not in use, creating safe walking space for other householders using the stairs. And there’s no need to worry that the walls are not strong enough, as a stairlift is fixed to the treads by support feet. Neither should you be concerned that it will stop in a powercut. As it is powered by a rechargeable battery, most continue to work for three to seven days, doing seven return journeys a day, without the need for recharging. As soon as the mains power comes back on, batteries automatically recharge.
THINKING of a home lift instead? The latest elegant lifts carry you upstairs at the press of a button. Unlike a traditional lift, this type is self-supporting and doesn’t require any major structural alterations to be installed. And it can be fitted almost anywhere in the home without further cladding, looking stylish and compact when it is in the room and leaving a feeling of space when it is sent up or down.