Stair Aids vs. Stairlifts: Finding the Right Mobility Solution

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Having mobility difficulties can be very frustrating, and can significantly impact one’s day, especially when it comes to navigating around the house. For individuals with reduced mobility, making adjustments to improve their movement around the home can be at the forefront of their minds.

In this guide, we’ll give you the answers you are after when it comes to the differences between stairlifts & other styles of stair aids. The level of mobility required for each type of assistive device & the differences between different products.

What Are Stair Aids?

Among the variety of different solutions that are available, stairlifts & stair aids will pop up as direct solutions to a person’s concern when it comes to navigating the stairs safely. But are there differences between the two?

Stair aids are typically non-motorized devices designed to help individuals with light to moderate mobility difficulties climb up or down a staircase. These solutions normally require the user to still have some ability to climb the stairs, but they may be concerned about their ability to balance effectively for the entire journey or feel tiredness or weakness mid-journey, which could affect safety.

When you are looking for a stairlift without an installation, a stair aid may be the type of assistive device that you are looking for.

Types of Stair Aids

• AssiStep: The Assistep is a stair aid that provides a strong handle that moves up & down the staircase with the user. The handle of this assistive device locks down when downward pressure is applied, offering enhanced safety & stability. The Assistep is ideal for people who need a little extra stability when climbing the stairs but are still able to use their legs.
• StairSteady: A simple yet effective solution featuring a fixed handrail with a sliding support handle. The handle locks in place under pressure, ensuring that users can stop safely at any point on the staircase. This aid requires no electrical components, making it a cost-effective and low-maintenance option discover the StairSteady & see if it’s the right option for you.
• Portable Stair Aids: There are a couple of portable stair climbing aids in the form of specialized assistive stair climbing canes. We have more information about those in our cheaper stairlift alternatives article which talks about stair-climbing canes.

Benefits of Stair Aids

• Independence: Enables users to remain active and in control of their mobility.
• Minimal Installation: These aids are less invasive and require little to no modifications to your home.
• Cost-Effective: Stair aids are generally more affordable than motorized solutions like stairlifts.
• Maintenance-Free: With no electrical components, stair aids typically require minimal upkeep.

What Are Stairlifts?

Stairlifts are chairs that are motorized & run across a rail mounted to the stairs. These devices are designed to be able to carry a single person up and down the stairs with ease, making them the perfect choice for someone who is experiencing significant mobility difficulties or concerns with navigating the stairs safely.

Features of Stairlifts

• Customizable Designs: Stairlifts come in many different sizes & can support a wide range of weights. Stairlifts can be fitted for a huge variety of staircases, whether your staircase is straight up, curved, has a landing in between or is a spiral staircase. There are even staircases for outdoor stairs.
• Safety Features: All of the main brands of stairlifts have a plethora of safety features. Seat belts & automatic stopping features are commonplace with reputable manufacturers.
• Battery Backup: All of the models that Senior Stairlifts provide include a built-in battery which will allow for the stairlift to operate temporarily on its own in the case of a power cut.
• Ease of Use: Stairlifts are designed to be easy to use. The controls of stairlifts will vary but they are all intended to be easily accessible.

Benefits of Stairlifts

• Complete Mobility Assistance: Stairlifts are ideal for those with limited mobility.
• Comfort: They offer a leisurely, seated ride with a smooth journey.
• Reliability: The stair lifts that we provide are designed for long-term use. With regular maintenance & cleaning, they will continue to run for years.
• Custom Fit: Each stairlift rail is tailored to follow the path of your staircase, whether it’s straight, curved, a spiral staircase, or outdoors.

For those interested in exploring a variety of options, we have a large range of different styles & manufacturers available.

Stair Aids vs. Stairlifts: Key Difference

When deciding between stair aids and stairlifts, understanding the key distinctions can help you make an informed choice.

Mobility Requirements

• Stair Aids: Suitable for people who still have some mobility, but require some additional support to be safe & secure.
• Stairlifts: Designed for people who have more serious mobility concerns or are suffering from a medical condition that would add risk to navigating the stairs.

Installation and Space

• Stair Aids: Depending on the specific stair aid, there would be minimal installation & drilling into the stairs. Stair aids are Ideal for people seeking a low-impact solution.
• Stairlifts: All standard stairlifts require rail to ride on, which requires the expertise of a professional to install correctly as there is a lot of room for error Requires professional installation of a rail system, which may involve adjustments to aspects of your household, such as radiators being in the way.

Cost

• Stair Aids: Generally cheaper, making them more affordable & budget-friendly. They are normally not mechanical or electronic & require the user to do most of the work.
• Stairlifts: Higher cost because of the electronic & motorized systems. However, financing options are available.

Maintenance

• Stair Aids: Stair aids would only need a wipe down with a cloth, and the removal of any debris getting in the way of
• Stairlifts: Stairlifts furniture can be wiped down with a dry cloth by the user, but the mechanical parts will need to be serviced by a professional to maintain safety and efficiency.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Being able to make the right choice when it comes to getting the perfect mobility solution for you or your loved one involves evaluating the needs of the user, and the plans to stay in or move out of the home. Here is a checklist of what you should consider when deciding between a stair aid or a stair lift.

1. Mobility Level: What is the current mobility level of the person in question? Are they looking for something just to give them a little extra support or is their mobility deteriorating & require something more supportive?
2. Budget: What is the budget for the person in question? Do they have enough money to be able to purchase a stairlift or would they need to pay monthly?
3. Time
4. Independence: Decide whether maintaining physical activity with a stair aid or opting for the convenience of a stairlift aligns better with your lifestyle.

If you are looking for information about how much a stairlift costs with installation in the UK, we have more information on that in a further article on our website.

Making the Right Choice

Having the right mobility assistance will greatly impact the quality of life for one who is having difficulties navigating their home, especially up & down the stairs. For people deciding between a stair aid or a stairlift, there are important differences that you need to look at & consider if one choice is going to be more cost-effective than the other.

If you go with the wrong mobility assistive tool, it can lead to frustration & wasted money. If you are unsure which solution would be right for you, you can consult with our stairlift experts, who will honestly answer any questions that you may have about assessing your needs & finding the perfect solution for you.