As we grow older, we become less mobile, which is why one of the biggest challenges for us is to climb the stairs. Whether you or one of your elderly family members have a medical condition or an injury that causes mobility problems, stairs can pose a serious threat and they can be dangerous. This is why an increasing number of people choose to install stairlifts in their homes that’ll provide the extra assistance they need. But, before purchasing one, it’s important that you consider some factors, including the following:
1. Firstly, Think About How Mobile The Person is
Before you continue reading our list, the very first thing that you must consider is how mobile the person that’ll be using the stairlift is. This will allow you to compare different features and types of the stairlift, hence, you could ensure that you choose a suitable one for your home. Keep in mind, if the mobility is extremely limited, the user will need some assistance to reach and use the stairlift, as well as get off it at the top of the stairs.
2. Consider Your Stairs
You should know, the type of stairs you have will be an important factor in determining what option you could get. After all, they come in a wide range of shapes and sizes – curved, straight, or models with landings – all of which can impact what stairlift you can install. Luckily, there are various companies such as West Sussex Stairlifts that offer advice, which means that they could help you with determining what you need.
3. The Features Are Quite Important
If there is one thing that you should take away from this article, it’s the fact that you must think about what features are important for the user. For instance, you might want something that’s easy to use and that has a simple control system or you might want one that has bells. Additionally, you should determine if you want a model that has a powered footrest and a swivel seat. All of these are important features to consider, so compare different models to determine what suits your needs.
4. Consider How It’ll Be Installed
Another thing that you need to think about is the space you have. Of course, you’ll want to get a model that will do the job it needs to, however, you might also want to remove it when it’s not used. Hence, if you want something that won’t take too much space and that can be removed, you should for a model that’ll fit these requirements. There are also options that are compact and that’ll hug the edge of the stairs, which means that you’ll have more space.
5. The Weight Capacity
You need to look at the weight capacity of the stairlift as well. This means that you need to ensure that the model you opt for meets the needs you have, but, you should also think about the future. Most models that you could find on the market have a weight capacity of 280lbs, however, there are models that have a higher weight capacity. No matter what you opt for, it’s important to consider the future as well, especially if the mobility of the user is very limited.
Conclusion
Although most people think that they can choose whatever stairlift they first come across, this isn’t entirely true. This is why you should follow all of the tips we mentioned above, mostly because doing so will allow you to make a suitable decision. Now that you’ve learned what factors you need to consider, don’t lose any more time, instead, start looking for a stairlift that’ll fit the requirements you have.
