Stairlifts for Seniors: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you a Senior or older adult looking at getting yourself a stairlift? In this guide we will go through essential information about how much a lift would cost & some of the options that are available to you as a buyer.
Here at Senior Stairlifts, we want to provide all of the information that you need to make an informed purchase of a stairlift. So for seniors, we put together this comprehensive guide to help with understanding the stairlift buying process & the different variations that are available.
How Can I get started with getting a Stairlift?
Getting started with getting a stairlift can be daunting, but you Can Simply Contact Us & we will get your stairlift journey started!
Its important to think about your needs & what you are wanting to achieve from getting a stairlift.
- Mobility Level: What is your current mobility status? Do you have difficulty sitting or standing, or is it challenging to navigate stairs altogether?
- Type of Stairs: Do you have straight, curved, or spiral stairs? The type of staircase will influence the kind of stairlift you need.
- Space Availability: Is your staircase narrow or wide? Are there landings or obstacles that need to be accounted for?
- Available Budget: Do you have the funds to be able to purchase a new stairlift, or would it be a better idea to go for a second hand stairlift?
- User Preferences: Do you prefer a seated or standing stairlift? Would you benefit from additional features like swivel seats or footrests?
What is the Average cost of a stair lift in the UK?
The Overall average cost of a stairlift is between £2000 & £6000. But If you want a reconditioned stairlift you’ll be looking at a starting price of £1795.
New Straight Stairlifts
Straight stairlifts are lifts that are the lift that you want to go for if you have a straight staircase that doesn’t have any bends or curves in it. This style of lift is
New Stairlifts for Curved Stairs
If your staircase has a curve or is separated by a landing, you may require a curved stairlift. You have many high quality options, but we recommend the Flow X stairlift as it has excellent reliability & the highest quality finish available.
Second Hand Stairlifts
Second hand lifts, also known as Reconditioned Stairlifts are perfect for someone who is looking for a solution for getting up the stairs on a smaller budget. We make sure that all reconditioned stairlifts that are sold are in a “like new” condition.
This means that the stairlift is clean & in perfect working condition. You will be able to tell its in a like new condition if it feels like nobody else has used it before. There should not be any stains or major damage to the upholstery or machinery.
Who is eligible for a free stairlift?
Stairlifts Grants
We have extensive resources about stairlift grants on our website, but fundamentally grants are financial support that can be offered by local councils, registered charities or the government. the most commonly heard of one is the Disabled Facilities Grant which a government grant.
One large issue with stairlift grants is that they are means tested, which means that eligibility for a grant is constricted to those who meet certain requirements when it comes to income & savings. Which is why going for a finance plan is a preferred alternative for many.
Finance Options
As mentioned before, deciding to go for a finance plan would be easier than it would be be approved for a grant. Finance plans involve paying for a stairlift over time instead of upfront, so it will make the initial cost of a stairlift much less than it would normally be.
We have partnered with Snap Finance to assist our customers with getting a fair, flexible fast track finance deal sorted out so that getting that essential piece of mobility equipment to you when you need it.
Can you buy a second hand stairlift?
Yes, you can buy second hand stairlifts from us. Within the stairlift industry they are more commonly referred to as reconditioned stair lifts. These lifts are commonly bought back from people who no longer require them & then repaired & cleaned up so that they are back to a like new condition.
Is it worth buying a second hand stairlift?
As long as you are purchasing your second hand stairlift from a reputable business with plenty of customer testimonies then buying a reconditioned or second hand stairlift is an effective & affordable way to get a stairlift into your home.
Is there a manual stairlift?
The term “Manual Stairlift” can be a bit misleading, as manual alternative to a stairlift don’t function in the same way. There are assistive tools that will improve your balance whilst navigating the stairs, but you’ll still need to put most of the work in to be able to ascend & descend the stairs.
Manual Wheeled Stair Climber
A Manual Wheeled Stair climber is a great emergency or short term solution to be able to get somebody up a flight of stairs. The Contraption requires an able bodied individual to be able to operate the climber while the passenger sits on the provided seat.
Stair Walkers
Stair walkers are a great alternative for somebody who is facing minor difficulty or has safety concerns with getting up & down a flight of stairs. Stair Walkers are a rail based system that allows for the user to have extra support whilst moving up & down the stairs.
Is there a standing stairlift?
Standing stairlifts are available to those who have a medical condition that stops them from sitting or would prefer one. They are identical in function to a regular stairlift, but instead of sitting on a seat the user leans on a perch whilst they navigate the stairs.
Key Features of Standing Stairlifts
- Compact Design: Standing stairlifts have a slim profile, making them an excellent choice for narrow staircases where space is limited.
- Supportive Handrails: These stairlifts come equipped with secure handrails or grab bars to provide stability and support during use.
- Footrest or Platform: Instead of a full seat, standing stairlifts have a footrest or small platform for the user to stand on.
- Safety Features: Safety harnesses, non-slip surfaces, and emergency stop buttons are standard features to ensure user safety.
- User-Friendly Controls: Easy-to-use controls, often located on the handrails, allow the user to operate the lift with minimal effort.